Naresh Chandra Bhardwaj vs Bank Of India

The Supreme Court addressed the appeal of a bank officer who was removed from service for sanctioning loans that became Non-Performing Assets, leading to a potential loss of Rs.70.32 lakh to the Bank. The Court emphasized that the quantum of punishment is primarily within the domain of the disciplinary authority, and interference is only warranted if the punishment is grossly disproportionate or if there is a plea of parity with other cases. The Court ultimately upheld the disciplinary action, noting that the appellant's request for a lesser penalty based on parity with other officers was not substantiated.