State Bank Of India vs Atindra Nath Bhatacharyya

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the High Court directing the Bank to grant an opportunity of hearing to the respondent, Atindra Nath Bhattacharyya, who was removed from service for serious lapses and misconduct. The Court emphasized that the principles of natural justice must be adhered to, particularly the right to be heard, as established in the case of Bank of India v. Apurba Kumar Saha (1994) 2 SCC 615. The Court clarified that previous punishments cannot be revisited in the inquiry process, aligning with the amendments made by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.