Oriental Bank Of Commerce & Ors vs S.S. Sheokand & Anr

The Supreme Court upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision to quash the disciplinary order against a Senior Manager of a bank, which had reduced his pay for unauthorized purchases of third-party cheques beyond his discretionary powers, violating Regulation 3(i) of the Oriental Bank of Commerce Officer Employees (Conduct) Regulation, 1982. The Court emphasized that the bank failed to demonstrate any loss incurred due to the respondent's actions, and thus, the disciplinary action was deemed disproportionate. The Court directed that the respondent be considered for further promotion, reinforcing the principle of proportionality in disciplinary matters.