Chhattisgarh High Court Denies Relief to SBI Employee in Appeal against Increment Stoppage for Misconduct and Sexual Harassment Charges

In a writ petition filed by a State Bank of India employee challenging the dismissal of his writ petition against the disciplinary penalty of stoppage of two increments with cumulative effect, As a result, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Arvind Kumar Verma rejected the appeal, affirming the decision of the Single Judge.

Background
The appellant, a Customer Assistant at SBI’s Nawapara Branch, faced allegations including misbehavior with customers and colleagues, sexual harassment of women employees/customers, delaying service, and creating a negative work environment. An inquiry was conducted by the Investigating Officer, and the matter was referred to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the POSH Act. The ICC found merit in the complaints, and the Disciplinary Authority (DA) proceeded with charges.

Upon completion of the inquiry, three charges were found to be proven, and three were partially upheld. Initially, the DA imposed a penalty of lowering two increments with cumulative effect and ineligibility for increments for two years. On departmental appeal, the penalty was modified to stoppage of two increments with cumulative effect.

Court’s Observation

The Court observed that the findings of misconduct and harassment were consistently upheld by the DA and the Appellate Authority. Principles of natural justice were followed, with opportunities given to the appellant to respond at every stage. The Court noted no violation of procedure or competence of the authorities. The penalty imposed was held to be appropriate and not disproportionate.

Finding no merit in the appeal, the Court upheld the Single Judge's order and dismissed the writ appeal.

Case title- Ram Krishna Soni v. Chairman-Cum-Managing Director National Banking Division Group, Hoshangabad, WA No. 292 of 2025, decided on 02-05-2025