In Brief
The respondent, a Chief Manager at State Bank of India's Baghbazar Branch, was charge-sheeted with 16 charges of financial irregularities in credit and local clearing instruments. After inquiry, he was removed from service. When the High Court set aside the removal for lack of opportunity on the quantum of punishment, the Bank offered him multiple hearings (March, April 2016), which he refused, claiming pending appeals. The respondent later sought another hearing. The Supreme Court held that once a fair opportunity is granted and refused, no further opportunity can be mandated. The Court found the delaying tactics unwarranted and dismissed the petition, upholding the removal order based on grave financial irregularities."
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