CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has dismissed a writ appeal filed by a former bank officer challenging her removal from service for unauthorised absence, affirming the decision of a Single Judge.
The division bench comprising Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice Chittaranjan Dash delivered a strongly-worded judgement on the importance of discipline in public service and adherence to transfer orders.
The appellant, a junior manager of a nationalised bank appointed in 2011, had been transferred from Bhubaneswar to Godhra in June 2019 but failed to comply with the order. She remained absent for an extended period, prompting disciplinary proceedings that culminated in her removal from service on January 27, 2022. Her challenge to the disciplinary action was rejected by a Single Judge of the High Court in September 11, 2024.
Before the division bench, the appellant argued that she could not relocate due to the responsibility of caring for her aged and ailing parents. She also alleged that the inquiry was conducted hastily, violating principles of natural justice, and contended that removal was a disproportionate punishment.
Rejecting these claims, the bench held that the inquiry process was fair and that the appellant had participated fully. “Merely saying that opportunity was not given would not suffice in the absence of demonstrable prejudice. The plea of violation of principles of natural justice cannot be chanted like vedic mantra. It does not demonstrate substance but generates senseless sound,” it noted.
The HC also found the appellant’s justification regarding parental care unconvincing, pointing out that she had not disclosed the existence of her siblings, including a doctor brother. This omission, the bench said, amounted to suppression of material facts, disentitling her from relief.
The bench, in its opening of the order, invoked Khalil Gibran’s reflections on work, quoting, “You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work.”