PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK vs K.K.VERMA

The Supreme Court held that the appellant Bank's failure to provide the respondent with a copy of the inquiry report before issuing a removal order violated principles of natural justice, as outlined in the Punjab National Bank Officers Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 1977. The Court emphasized that an employee must be afforded an opportunity to defend themselves adequately, which was not done in this case. Consequently, the Court upheld the High Court's decision to reinstate the respondent, thereby reversing the Bank's removal order.