WRIA/16609/2026 of MS SAKSHI SINGH Vs CHAIRMAN, STATE BANK OF INDIA AND 5 OTHERS on 7 October 2026

1. Heard learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mrs. Archana Singh, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Shri Shresth Pratap Singh, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents no.1 to 5.

2. The petitioner is aggrieved by the order dated 22.05.2025, whereby she has been placed under suspension. The petitioner has also challenged the charge-sheet dated 05.03.2026.

3. Learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents bank has contended that the enquiry report has already been submitted after affording due opportunity of hearing to the petitioner. Presently, notice dated 22.09.2026 and 24.09.2026 have been issued to the petitioner, indicating the tentative penalty and requiring her to file her reply, if any, besides affording her an opportunity of personal hearing. However, the present petitioner has been consistently avoiding the disciplinary proceedings pursuant to the aforesaid notices. It is further contended that the petitioner has made representation dated 03.10.2026 requesting that the same be considered before the personal hearing. Photostat copies of the notices dated 22.09.2026 & 24.09.2026, and representation dated 03.10.2026, have been filed before the Court today, which are taken on record. Office is directed to proceed accordingly. It is lastly contended that the disciplinary proceedings are at the verge of culmination and shall be concluded at the earliest.

4. Having considered the rival submissions advanced by the learned counsel for the parties and upon perusal of record, this Court is of the considered opinion that no useful purpose would be served by keeping the instant writ Versus Counsel for Petitioner(s) : Dr.Om Prakash Yadav Counsel for Respondent(s) : Satish Chaturvedi Ms Sakshi Singh .....Petitioner(s) Chairman, State Bank Of India And 5 Others .....Respondent(s)

petition pending. Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court deems it appropriate to finally dispose of the instant writ petition with the following directions :-

(i) The petitioner shall appear before the disciplinary authority and file his reply, if any, within a period of ten days from today.

(ii) Upon receipt of the said reply, the disciplinary authority shall make every endeavour to conclude the disciplinary proceedings within a period of two months, after affording the petitioner due and proper opportunity of hearing.

(iii) The petitioner shall extend full co-operation in the disciplinary proceedings and shall not seek any unnecessary adjournment. In the event of any delay not attributed to the petitioner, the disciplinary authority shall ensure that the proceedings are concluded within the aforesaid period.

(iv) However; it is clarified that if the disciplinary proceedings are not concluded within the stipulated period, as mentioned above, the effect and operation of the suspension order dated 22.05.2025 shall automatically revoked.

5. With the aforesaid observations/directions, instant writ petition stands disposed of. October 8, 2026 VR WRIA No. 16609 of 2026 2 (Dinesh Pathak,J.) Digitally signed by :- VIBHA RATAN High Court of Judicature at Allahabad