PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK vs O.N.SHARMA

The Supreme Court held that the respondent was not entitled to a personal hearing at the appellate stage under Clause 6(g) of the Bipartite Settlement, as the rules of natural justice do not confer an automatic right to a personal hearing unless explicitly provided. The Court distinguished the case from State Bank of Patiala Vs. Mahendra Kumar Singhal, emphasizing that the respondent had already been given opportunities to defend himself during the disciplinary proceedings. The Court set aside the High Court's order remitting the matter for a personal hearing and allowed the appeal, remitting the case for fresh consideration on other questions raised in the writ petition.