STATE BANK OF INDIA vs RAMESH DINKAR PUNDE

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to set aside the penalty of removal imposed on a bank officer, stating that the inquiry conducted was flawed and did not adhere to the principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that the charges against the officer, which included negotiating credit facilities with fraudulent intent, were not substantiated by adequate evidence. Consequently, the Court directed the bank to reinstate the officer with all consequential benefits, including back wages, within three months, thereby reinforcing the importance of fair inquiry procedures under the State Bank of India (Supervising Staff) Service Rules.