STATE BANK OF INDIA vs V. PARTHASARATHY

The Supreme Court held that the interpretation of Clause 1(d) of Circular No. 42 by the High Court was incorrect, as the local Head Office and its six branches constituted one unit. The Court ruled that by refusing the third and final offer for promotion to Head Clerk, the respondents had exhausted all options and were permanently debarred from promotion. The Court allowed the appeals of the Bank but noted that it would not interfere with the respondents' current appointments as Head Clerks in the Regional Office, clarifying that this decision would not set a precedent.