J U D G M E N T

UJJAL BHUYAN, J.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. This appeal by special leave is directed against the judgment and order dated 11.02.2020 passed by a Division Bench of the High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi (briefly ‘the High Court’ hereinafter) in LPA No. 505 of 2016. Appellants are the State Bank of India and its officers.

2.1. Respondent, an officer of the State Bank of India (SBI), was subjected to a disciplinary proceeding following which the Signature Not Verified penalty of dismissal from service was imposed on him.

Digitally signed by ARJUN BISHT Date: 2024.11.19 Reason:

Departmental appeal filed by the respondent against the dismissal order was rejected by the appellate authority; so also the petition for review. Respondent filed a writ petition before the High Court challenging the order of penalty as upheld by the appellate authority and the reviewing authority. Learned Single Judge allowed the writ petition and set aside the order of penalty on the ground that the disciplinary proceeding was initiated after superannuation of the respondent including the extended period of service. Therefore, such disciplinary proceeding was held to be void ab initio a