JUDGMENT :

AMRITA SINHA, J.

1. The petitioner was serving as a general clerk in the United Bank of India, currently merged with the Punjab National Bank. A disciplinary proceeding was initiated against him and he was placed under suspension with effect from 10th November, 1994. Subsistence allowance was paid to him. Charge sheet was issued on 30th January, 1996. An enquiry was conducted and the petitioner was provided opportunity to defend himself. The enquiry report was submitted on 19th June, 1998.

2. The disciplinary authority passed order of dismissal of the petitioner from service without notice on 25th March, 1999. Appeal was preferred by the petitioner on 8th May, 1999 mentioning that the grounds of appeal would be submitted at the time of hearing. The petitioner submitted his grounds of appeal on 1st October, 2010.

3. A writ petition being WP No. 13950 (W) of 2012 was filed by the petitioner alleging non-disposal of his appeal. The said writ petition was heard and disposed of by the Court on 14th August, 2023 directing the competent appellate authority to consider and dispose of the appeal within four months by passing a reasoned order after giving the petitioner opportunity of