BHULAN ROUT vs LAL BAHADUR YADAV

The Supreme Court held that the stay of departmental proceedings against an employee pending the outcome of a criminal case is not justified. The Court emphasized that the employer's right to conduct disciplinary proceedings under the State Bank of India Officers Service Rules should not be hindered by the pendency of criminal proceedings, as per Sections 406, 409, 420, 467, and 120-B IPC. The Court set aside the High Court's order and allowed the bank to proceed with the departmental inquiry, reinforcing the principle that disciplinary action can continue independently of criminal proceedings.