JUDGMENT

P.V.BALAKRISHNAN,JThis intra-court appeal is filed by respondents 2 and 3 in W.P. (C)No.21930 of 2022, challenging the judgment dated 19.08.2022, passed by the learned Single Judge, allowing the writ petition. 2. The 1strespondent herein/writ petitioner joined the services of the appellants as junior clerk on 01.03.1989 and retired from service on 30.4.2022, after rendering 32 years of service. While in service, the 1strespondent faced disciplinary proceedings along with one Sheeja.C.Nair for supervisory lapses, which gave an opportunity to one Mariamma Sebastian, to siphon off Rs.50,60,000/-. The enquiry officer found the 1strespondent guilty and consequently, the disciplinary authority imposed a penalty cutting of four annual increments and ordering recovery of half of the loss caused to the bank.

3. The first respondent filed an appeal challenging the same and the appellate authority imposed a punishment, cutting two increments, with cumulative effect and ordered recovery of half of the loss caused to the bank i.e., Rs.25,30,000/-. Thereafter, the first respondent joined duty in November 2018 and continued in service, till 30.4.2022, the date of her superannuation. Duri