General Manager, Uco Bank And Anr vs M. Venuranganath

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of Clause 22 of the Manual on Disciplinary Action versus Regulation 15(2) of the UCO Bank's Conduct and Discipline Regulations in the context of departmental proceedings following a criminal acquittal. The Court held that the Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court erred in its interpretation, emphasizing that acquittal in a criminal case does not preclude departmental action. The appeal was allowed, reinforcing that departmental proceedings can continue irrespective of criminal acquittal under Sections 120-B, 471, and 477 IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.