NEW DELHI/CUTTACK: Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill added a light-hearted moment to his team’s commanding win over Chennai Super Kings, sharing a “Nandri Chennai” message while holding a yellow whistle — a playful tribute to fans at Chepauk.
Meanwhile, in a significant judicial ruling, the Orissa High Court has upheld the removal of a bank officer for prolonged unauthorized absence, reinforcing the importance of discipline and compliance in public service roles.
A division bench comprising Justices Krishna S Dixit and Chittaranjan Dash dismissed a writ appeal filed by the former junior manager of a nationalised bank, affirming an earlier decision by a Single Judge that supported the disciplinary action taken against her.
The officer, appointed in 2011, was transferred from Bhubaneswar to Godhra in June 2019. However, she failed to join her new posting and remained absent for an extended period. Following departmental proceedings, she was removed from service on January 27, 2022. Her earlier challenge to the action had already been rejected in September 2024.
During the appeal hearing, the appellant argued that her inability to relocate stemmed from her obligation to care for her elderly and ailing parents. She also alleged that the inquiry process violated principles of natural justice and claimed that the penalty imposed was excessive.
The bench, however, found no merit in these arguments. It ruled that the inquiry had been conducted fairly and that the appellant had actively participated in the proceedings. The court observed that mere allegations of procedural violations, without clear evidence of prejudice, cannot sustain a legal challenge.
In a strongly worded remark, the court stated that invoking natural justice without substantiation does not hold legal value, emphasizing that such claims must be supported by tangible proof.
Additionally, the judges questioned the appellant’s justification regarding family responsibilities. They noted that she had failed to disclose the presence of her siblings, including a brother who is a medical professional. This omission was seen as suppression of material facts, weakening her case further.
The ruling underscores that adherence to transfer orders and institutional discipline remains a fundamental expectation in public sector employment, and deviations without valid grounds can attract strict consequences.