JUDGMENT

The petitioner retired from the service of State Bank of Travancore on 31/3/2001 under the SBT Voluntary retirement scheme (circular No.2/2001 dated 20/1/2001). Under the VRS scheme,persons who have put in 15 years of service or have completed 40 years of age as on 31/1/2001, were eligible to claim the benefit of scheme and thereby,they were entitled to various terminal benefits, including pension in terms of State Bank of Travancore(Employees)Pension Regulation 1995. Subsequently, State Bank of India, acquired by way of amalgamation, the business, including the assets and liabilities of the State Bank of Travancore, by virtue of the Provisions of State Bank of India Act, 1955 on 12/2/2017.

2. According to the petitioner,he had entered service of the State Bank of Travancore on 1979 and has thereby put in 21 years and four months of service. Though he was given various benefits, by Ext.P2 communication, he was informed that the petitioner had not completed 20 years of qualifying service as per regulation No.29 of the State Bank of Travancore(Employees)Pension Regulations, 1995 and hence not entitled for pension.This is challenged in this writ petition.

3. Petitioner contend