In Brief
UCO Bank dismissed an Assistant Manager after a domestic inquiry found him guilty of negligence in safeguarding cash keys, resulting in a theft of Rs. 12 lakhs. The High Court quashed the dismissal, finding the Branch Manager and Assistant Manager (Cash) bore joint responsibility. The Supreme Court reversed this, holding that the inquiry was properly conducted, the findings on charges 1 and 4 were supported by documentary evidence, and the High Court exceeded its jurisdiction by re-examining factual findings. The Court clarified that judicial review of disciplinary proceedings is limited to examining procedural fairness, not re-adjudicating merits. The appeal was allowed and the punishment restored.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.