High Court of KeralaSingle JudgeDismissed

H. Rajasekharan Nair and All India SBI Employees' Association (AIBEA) v State Bank of India and Others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T)

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • Anu Sivaraman
Judgment Date
2021-01-11
Court Decision / Holding
Writ petition dismissed; prayers for quashing Ext.P3/P4 and Ext.P9 and for mandamus to revert to existing promotion policy were not granted; the bank’s promotional policy changes were deemed permissible under the facts, with the court noting that policy decisions require consultation and can be modified.
Final Disposition
Dismissed

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • H. Rajasekharan Nair
  • All India SBI Employees' Association (AIBEA)

Respondents

  • State Bank of India
  • Chief General Manager (HR), State Bank of India
  • ADDL.R3. BABU.K.M
  • ADDL.R4. GANGADHARAN.M
  • ADDL.R5. HARIDASAN.K
  • ADDL.R6. HASLIN.P.J
  • ADDL.R7. ISSAIC.O.J
  • ADDL.R8. JAMES.P.J
  • ADDL.R9. JANARDJANAN.M.P
  • ADDL.R10. JIJIKUMAR.K.A
  • ADDL.R11. JOSEPH CHACKO
  • ADDL.R12. LAIJU.P.P
  • ADDL.R13. MADHAVAN K.S
  • ADDL.R14. MADHU.K
  • ADDL.R15. MURALI.S
  • ADDL.R16. RADHAKRISHNAN.P.P
  • ADDL.R17. RAHASEKHARAN.P.
  • ADDL.R1. RAMESH.M.B
  • ADDL.R19. ROY.C.J
  • ADDL.R20. SABU.M.B
  • ADDL.R21. SAJEEVAN.K
  • ADDL.R22. SATHYANARAYANAN.K
  • ADDL.R23. SHIBU PAUL
  • ADDL.R24. SOMAN.A.V
  • ADDL.R25. SUNILKUMAR.C.K
  • ADDL.R26. SURESH.K.T
  • ADDL.R27. SURESH KUMAR.C
  • ADDL.R28. SURESH.V.K
  • ADDL.R29. THOMAS P.JOSE
  • ADDL.R30. UNNIKRISHNAN.V.K
  • ADDL.R31. VIJAYAKUMAR.T

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Sri.V.M.KRISHNAKUMAR

Counsels for Respondents

  • • Sri.George Thomas (Mevada)
  • • Sri.AMAL GEORGE
  • • Sri.M.SASINDRAN

Case Synopsis & Summary

This is a writ petition filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the State Bank of India’s promotion policy and the 2019-2020 ‘special channel’ for subordinate staff promotions to clerical cadre, including Ext.P3 and Ext.P9 lists, and Ext.P11 extending the channel into 2020-21. The petitioners contend that SBI’s bipartite staff regulations provide two distinct promotion channels: merit channel for matriculates with five years’ service (to be designated as Assistant (ACCTS) and on to higher posts) and a normal/seniority channel for non-matriculates (to be designated as Assistant (cash) and follow a fixed ladder to grades). Ext.P3 introduced a one-time “special channel” for 8+ years’ service subordinate staff to the clerical cadre, creating 390 vacancies filled by written test and interview, with promotion postures to grahak mitra and movement that would bypass the established channels. Petitioners allege this changes service conditions without due notice and breaches staff regulations and the bipartite settlement, encroaching on their rights under the Industrial Disputes Act, particularly sections requiring notice for change (Sec. 9A) and related schedules. The respondent-bank counters that Ext.P3/P11 were consultatively decided, temporary, and non-prejudicial to petitioners; the court ultimately held that the prayers cannot be granted, and the petition was dismissed, noting policy changes may be made by the bank under executive need.

Provisions of Law Cited

Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 - Section 9AIndustrial Disputes Act, 1947 - Section 10(2)Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 - Third ScheduleIndustrial Disputes Act, 1947 - Fourth ScheduleCivil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Judicial review of policy decisions: policy changes in a bank are ordinarily beyond the reach of judicial review unless constitutional or legal rights are violated.
  • Creation of posts, methods of appointment, and promotion decisions are ordinarily prerogatives of the employer; changes to bipartite agreements or staff regulations require lawful remedy (ID Act) and notice where applicable.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend that SBI’s staff regulations provide two promotion channels (merit for matriculates with five years’ service and normal/seniority for non-matriculates). Ext.P3 introduced a one-time special channel for 8+ years’ service subordinate staff to clerical cadre, which bypassed established channels (Ext.P1/P2) and would disrupt matriculate promotions and future progression. They argue the change amounts to altering service conditions without notice under IDA Sec. 9A and violates bipartite settlements; Ext.P9 promoted individuals via the new channel, and Ext.P11 extended it. They rely on guidelines and schedules (Third/Fourth Schedule) and stress that policy changes should be subject to notice and legality under IDA, with remedy available under IDA if bipartite settlements are violated.

Contentions of Respondents

The bank maintains that Ext.P3 and Ext.P11 are consultative, temporary promotions to fill newly created clerical posts (Grahak Mitra, etc.) and do not disturb Ext.P1/P2 policy. The special channel is a one-year/one-time measure to address exigencies and to expedite promotions; it was carried out in consultation with recognized unions, and is limited in scope and duration. The bank asserts that the regular merit and seniority channels remain intact and that any violation of bipartite agreements would be remedied under the Industrial Disputes Act. The Respondents stress creation of posts and methods of appointment is managerial prerogative and not subject to judicial interference absent a constitutional or legal right violation. They also argue the petitioner cannot challenge such policy decisions under judicial review and that the remedy, if any, lies under the ID Act.

Cited Precedents (6)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
UPCUEF Ltd. v. Cane Commissioner and RCCS and others2008 KHC 4581Mentioned OnlyCited by petitioner to argue notice requirements under IDA; court did not adopt or distinguish this decision.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. & another v. Union of India2011 KHC 2932Mentioned OnlyCited in discussion of policy decisions and judicial review; court did not treat it as binding.
Premier Automobiles Ltd. v. Kamlekar Shantaram Wadke and others2004 (4) SCC 268Mentioned OnlyCited regarding locus standi/judicial review; not explicitly followed or overruled.
Lt. Governor, NCT and others v. Ved Prakash alias Vedu2006 (5) SCC 228Mentioned OnlyCited for general principle; not treated as binding in the present context.
Transport and Dock Workers Union v. Mumbai Port Trust and another2011 (2) SCC 575Mentioned OnlyCited in the context of judicial review and executive decisions; not distinguished or overruled.
Delhi High Court judgment in W.P.(C) 10596/2018—Mentioned OnlyCited as a comparative reference; not treated as binding.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 1 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE ANU SIVARAMAN** **MONDAY, THE 11TH DAY OF JANUARY 2021 / 21TH POUSHA, 1942** ## **WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T)** ## **PETITIONERS:** |**1**|**H.RAJASEKHARAN NAIR,**| |---|---| ||**AGED 54 YEARS**| ||**S/O.HARIDASAN NAIR A.K., TC 17/17, JAGATHI,**| ||**THAICAUD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, NOW WORKING**| ||**AS MESSENGER, STATE BANK OF INDIA,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TREASURY BRANCH NOW UNDER**| ||**DEPUTATION AT SBI, VANCHIYOOR BRANCH.**| |**2**|**ALL INDIA STATE BANK OF INDIA EMPLOYEES'**| ||**ASSOCIATION (AIBEA),**| ||**(REGISTERED 3228/87) CENTRAL OFFICE, TKV**| ||**SMARAKAM, P.B.NO.157, PULIMOOD,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, REPRESENTED BY ITS GENERAL**| ||**SECRETARY K.S.KRISHNA, AGED 24 YEARS,**| ||**S/O.SRI.K.SUBRAHMANIA IYER.**| ||**BY ADV. SRI.V.M.KRISHNAKUMAR**| ## **RESPONDENTS:** |**1**|**STATE BANK OF INDIA,**| |---|---| ||**REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, CORPORATE CENTRE,**| ||**STATE BANK BHAVAN, MADAM CAMA ROAD, MUMBAI-**| ||**400021.**| |**2**|**CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER (HR),**| ||**STATE BANK OF INDIA, CORPORATE CENTRE, STATE**| ||**BANK BHAVAN, MADAM CAMA ROAD, MUMBAI- 400021.**| |**3**|**ADDL.R3. BABU.K.M**| ||**CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, CALICUT**| ||**MEDICAL COLLEGE BRANCH, KOCHIKKODE,**| WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 2 - **4 ADDL.R4.GANGADHARAN.M CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, HOSDURG BRANCH, KASARGOD.** - **5 ADDL.R5.HARIDASAN.K CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, KOPPAM, PALAKKAD PIN-679 307** - **6 ADDL.R6.HASLIN.P.J CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, PERUMANOOR BRANCH, ERNAKULAM, PIN-682 015.** - **7 ADDL.R7. ISSAIC.O.J CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, VELLATHUVAL BRANCH, IDUKKI. PIN-685563.** - **8 ADDL.R8.JAMES.P.J CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, PALAI TOWN, KOTTAYAM PIN-695 575.** - **9 ADDL.R9.JANARDJANAN.M.P CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, MANAKARA BRANCH, PALAKKAD, PIN-678 613** - **10 ADDL.R10.JIJIKUMAR.K.A CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, MANAKARA BRANCH, PALAKKAD, PIN-678 613** - **11 ADDL.R11.JOSEPH CHACKO CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, SME THRISSUR BRANCH, THRISSUR, PIN- 680 001** - **12 ADDL.R12. LAIJU.P.P CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA NORTH PARAVUR BRANCH, MALIEKKAL SHOPPING COMPLE, NORTH PARAVUR, ERNAKULAM, PIN-683 513.** - **13 ADDL.R13.MADHAVAN K.S CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, SREEKRISHNAPURAM BRANCH, SREEKRISHNAPURAM, PALAKKAD, PIN-679 513.** WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 3 - **14 ADDL.R14.MADHU.K CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, PALLICKAL BRANCH, KILIMANOOR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 604.** - **15 ADDL.R15. MURALI.S CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, KAYAMKULAM BRANCH, KAYAMKULAM, ALAPPUZHA PIN-690 502.** - **16 ADDL.R16.RADHAKRISHNAN.P.P CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA KOTTAYAM TOWN BRANCH, K.K.ROAD, KOTTAYAM 686 002.** - **17 ADDL.R17. RAHASEKHARAN.P. CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA M.C.ROAD BRANCH, ETTUMANOOR, NEAR KSRTC BUS STAND, KOTTAYAM, PIN-686 631.** - **18 ADDL.R1.RAMESH.M.B CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, ANGAMALY BRANCH, MAIN ROAD, ANGAMALY, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT 683 572.** - **19 ADDL.R19.ROY.C.J CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, PIRAVOM TOWN BRANCH, OLD MARKET ROAD, PIRAVOM, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT PIN-686 664.** - **20 ADDL.R20. SABU.M.B CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA VADAKKANCHERY BRANCH, VADAKKANCHERY, PALAKKAD SIT.PIN 678 683** - **21 ADDL.R21. SAJEEVAN.K CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, PAYYANNUR BRANCH, PAYYANUR, KANNUR, PIN-670 307.** - **22 ADDL.R22. SATHYANARAYANAN.K CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA KERALASSERY BRANCH, KERALASSERY, PALAKKAD, PIN-678 641.** - **23 ADDL.R23.SHIBU PAUL CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, THIRUVARPPU BRANCH, THIRUVARPU, KOTTAYAM. PIN686 003.** WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 4 - **24 ADDL.R24. SOMAN.A.V CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, KOOTTAR BRANCH, KOOTTAR, IDUKKI, PIN-685 552.** - **25 ADDL.R25.SUNILKUMAR.C.K CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA PBB KOTTAYAM BRANCH, MARIYATHURUTH, KOTTAYAM, PIN686 017.** - **26 ADDL.R26. SURESH.K.T CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA MOOVATTUPUZHA BRANCH, MOOVATTUPUZHA, ERNAKULAM DIST.686 661.** - **27 ADDL.R27. SURESH KUMAR.C CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, ALUVA CATHOLIC BRANCH, RAILWAY STATION ROAD, ALUVA, ERNAKULAM PIN-683 101.** - **28 ADDL.R28.SURESH.V.K CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, PALAI TOWN, KOTTAYAM PIN-696 575.** - **29 ADDL.R29. THOMAS P.JOSE, CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA ANGAMALY TOWN BRANCH, MAIN ROAD, ANGAMALY, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, 683 572.** - **30 ADDL.R30.UNNIKRISHNAN.V.K CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA, ANGAMALY TOWN BRANCH, MAIN ROAD, ANGAMALY, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN-683572.** - **31 ADDL.R31. VIJAYAKUMAR. T CLERICAL STAFF, STATE BANK OF INDIA VARKALA MAIDANAM BRANCH, VARKALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 141.** **ADDL.R3 TO R31 ARE IMPLEADED AS PER ORDER DATED 18.12.19 IN I.A.NO.7/19 IN W.P.(C) 14352/19(T)** **R1-2 BY SRI.GEORGE THOMAS(MEVADA), SC, SBI R1-2 BY SRI.AMAL GEORGE, SC, SBI** WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) **==> picture [8 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** **R3-17, R19-22, R25-28, R30-31 BY ADV. SRI.M.SASINDRAN** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 04-11-2020, THE COURT ON 11-01-2021 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 6 ## **JUDGMENT** ## **Dated this the 11[th] day of January 2021** 1. This writ petition is filed seeking the following prayers:- i) Call for records leading to P3 and P4 and issue a writ in the nature of certiorari quashing Ext.P3 and P4. ii) Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus commanding the respondents to effect promotion from the post of subordinate staff to the post of clerical cadre on the basis of Ext.P1 and P2 only and not resort to the procedure mentioned in Ext.P3 and P4. ii)a. Call for records leading to Exhibit P9 and issue a writ in the nature of certiorari quashing Exhibit P9; ii)b. Declare that promotions granted to Additional Respondents 3 to 28 pursuant to Exhibit P9 select list are illegal and non-est. 2. Heard the learned Senior counsel appearing for the petitioners, the learned Senior counsel appearing for the Bank and the learned counsel appearing for the respondents. 3. The 1[st] petitioner is a subordinate staff working as messenger in the State Bank of India, Thiruvananthapuram Treasury branch, now under deputation at SBI, Vanchiyoor Branch. The 2[nd] petitioner is the Association of the Employees of the State Bank of India. Petitioners are aggrieved by the violation of WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 7 staff regulation regarding promotion from subordinate staff to clerical cadre in the State Bank of India. It is contended that as per the staff regulation, which is the result of a bipartite settlement, the promotional avenues of different employees of State Bank of India was finalized. There are two channels of promotion. One is merit channel and the other is normal seniority channel. The merit channel is provided for promotion of subordinate staff having matriculation and equivalent qualification and normal seniority channel is for promotion of subordinate staff having less than matriculation as qualification. For the purpose of merit channel promotion, the employees should be full time employees with five year service as on the 1[st] April of the promotion year. The service put in as permanent part time employee prior to full time appointment will be reckoned proportionately by notionally converting part time service into full time service, in case such full time employees has less than five years of service as on 1[st] April of the promotion year. The 1[st] petitioner is having the eligibility and qualification for promotion to the post of clerical staff in the merit channel promotion. WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) **==> picture [8 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** 4. Relying on Ext.P1 staff regulation, it is contended that the subordinate staff with matriculation will be entitled for promotion under the merit channel only and will be designated as Assistant (ACCTS) on promotion. It is also stipulated that the subordinate staff without matriculation will be eligible for promotion under the normal channel only and will be designated as Assistant (cash) on promotion. As such, any candidate will be eligible only for one channel of promotion depending upon his qualification. It is submitted that normally, the subordinate staff having matriculation on promotion is given the designation of Assistant (CS & S) and is eligible for further promotion to the post of Senior Assistant, Clerk, Senior Clerk etc and also out of cadre promotion to officer cadre. The subordinate staff who do not have matriculation and are promoted in the normal seniority channel will be posted as Record Keeper, Godown Keeper, Bill Collector etc. and there is no promotion avenue. 5. While so, by Ext.P3, the 2[nd] respondent issued a communication providing a special channel promotion for subordinate staff to clerical cadre for the financial year 2019- WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 9 2020. 390 vacancies in the clerical cadre were sought to be filled up by this exercise on the basis of a written test and interview. The channel was open to all subordinate staff having 8 years of service. The promoted employees would be governed by the service conditions of record keepers. They may be utilized as 'grahak mitra' in bigger branches. The petitioner filed Ext.P5 objection and filed the Writ Petition. 6. A counter affidavit was filed contending that the special channel promotion did not prejudice the petitioner in any manner, since all matriculates and non-matriculates with 8 years service could appear and the promotion prospects of matriculates was unaffected. It was further contented that the special channel would be operated for the financial year 20192020 alone. Thereafter, Ext.P11 proceedings were issued extending the special channel promotions for the financial year 2020-21 as well. The writ petition was amended and the persons who secured promotion pursuant to Ext.P3 were impleaded and Ext.P9 was challenged. WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) **==> picture [16 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** 7. The substantial grievance of the petitioner is that by Ext.P2 circular, a policy decision was taken not to conduct promotion exercise to the post of Record Keeper, Godown Keeper, Bill collector etc since these posts are no longer required. Since Ext.P2 is the circular that is in force even now, it is contended that the decisions impugned are against the clear promotion policy of the bank. It is argued that by Ext.P3, the number of clerical vacancies proposed to be filled up by promotion from subordinate staff in each circle concerned is mentioned. There are total number of 390 vacancies to be filled up by promotion from subordinate staff out of which 26 is from Thiruvananthapuram circle. It is stated that though the 1[st] respondent is expected to conduct the regular promotion process for giving promotion from the post of subordinate staff to clerical cadre, the said exercise was not conducted for long years. Going by the past experience, the next exercise of promotion from the subordinate staff will be after years together. By that time, the subordinate staff with matriculation, who do not have required length of service now, will be age barred. This is the case of the 1[st] petitioner as well since after 55 years there is an age bar for being considered WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) **==> picture [16 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** for promotion. Thus, this is the only opportunity for the 1[st] petitioner to get promotion to the clerical cadre, and that too, in the merit channel. It is submitted that the promotion exercise from the clerical cadre to officer cadre is being conducted every year without fail. Ext.P12 HR hand book updated upto June 2020, which shows that Ext.P1 promotion policy remains unchanged, is also produced by the petitioners. Ext.P13 memorandum of settlement is also produced. 8. It is contended that persons like 1[st] petitioner are entitled to be considered for promotion to clerical cadre and assigned the post of Assistant (ACCTS) and entitled to further promotion depending upon seniority and qualification. However, as can be seen from clause 2 of Ext.P3, while giving a promotion from subordinate staff, the service condition of Record Keeper will only be given to them. This would result in denial of further promotion to the persons among the subordinate staff having matriculation. It is further submitted that the purpose of providing two channels of promotion for matriculates and non matriculates is to accommodate non matriculates also as promotees to clerical cadre. By clubbing together both WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) **==> picture [16 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** matriculates and non matriculates, the chances of non matriculates getting promotion through competitive selection process will be tampered. It amounts to treating unequals equally. 9. The learned Senior counsel for the petitioner relies on a decision of the Apex Court in **U.P.C.U.E.F Ltd. Vs Cane Commissioner and R.C.C.S and others** (2008 KHC 4581) to contend that no employer can change the service condition applicable to the workmen as is specified in the Third Schedule without giving due notice as provided by law. Reliance is also placed on Section 9(A) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 which reads as follows:- - **“9A. Notice of change** .-No, employer, who proposes to effect any change in conditions of service applicable to any workman in respect of any matter specified in the Fourth Schedule, shall effect such change,- - (a) without giving to the workmen likely to be affected by such change a notice in the prescribed manner of the nature of the change proposed to be effected; or - (b) within twenty-one days of giving such notice: Provided that no notice shall be required for effecting any such change- WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 13 - (a) where the change is effected in pursuance of any “[settlement or award]; or (b) where the workmen likely to be affected by the change are persons to whom the Fundamental and Supplementary Rules, Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, Civil Services (Temporary Service) Rules, Revised Leave Rules, Civil Service Regulations, Civilians in Defence Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules or the Indian Railway Establishment Code or any other rules or regulations that may be notified in this behalf by the appropriate Government in the Official Gazette, apply.” It is further submitted that the professed policy of the Bank with regard to promotions has undergone no change and that the impugned decisions are clearly against the promotion policy and the staff regulations. Relying on the decision of the Apex Court in **Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. & another vs Union of India** (2011 KHC 2932), it is contended that all vacancies which are in existence or on the date of Ext.P3 are to be filled up in accordance with the promotion policy and regulations before the special channel was introduced. 10.The learned Senior counsel for the respondents contend that the 2[nd] petitioner union represents only about 1% of employees of the bank and has no locus standi to contend that they WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 14 represent the employees. It is contended that policy decisions regarding promotion are taken after due consultation with recognized unions and in the exigencies of administration and commercial interest and such decisions are not open to challenge in judicial review. It is submitted that Exts.P1, P2 and P12 relate to promotions to clerical cadre while Exts. P3 and P11 are relating to special channel promotions of grahak mitra which is a new category found necessary in the current situation. It is stated that the 1[st] petitioner being a graduate, can aspire for normal promotion to the clerical cadre and posting as Assistant (Accounts) in terms of Exts. P1 and P2. It is further contended that contentions regarding violations of provisions of bipartite agreements cannot be considered before this Court since Section 10 (2) of the ID Act & Chapter III & IV thereof provide adequate remedy in case of such violations. 11.The decisions in **The Premier Automobiles Ltd vs Kamlekar Shantaram Wadke and others** (2004 (4) SCC 268), **Lt. Governor, NCT and others vs. Ved Prakash alias vedu** (2006(5)SCC 228), **Transport and Dock Workers** WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 15 **Union and others vs. Mumbai Port Trust and another** (2011 (2) SCC 575). A judgment in W.P.(C) 10596/2018 of the Delhi H.C is also relied on. 12.The 6[th] respondent has also filed a counter affidavit contending that the post of Grahak Mithra was created after the foundation of the promotion policy and is therefore not covered by Exts.P1 or P2. It is contended that the creation of new posts and providing for a method of appointment to those posts are the prerogative of the bank. It is further contended that the impugned decisions were taken after due consultation with the employees and in order to expedite promotions. 13.I have considered the contentions advanced and perused the documents placed on record. Ext.P1, which is produced and relied on as the promotion policy is an extract showing the policy for promotion of subordinate staff to clerical cadre. In the first counter affidavit filed by the respondent it is contended as follows:- - “ Regarding the averments in paras 6 and 7 of the writ petition I submit as follows. While reviewing the implementation of exhibit Pi Policy, it was observed that most of the subordinate WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 16 staff who got promoted into clerical cadre were not adept in working efficiently in the computerised environments (i.e. in CBS-Core Banking Solution). As the regular promotion exercise (i.e. merit channel & normal cum seniority channel) have not yield the desired results, the respondent Bank decided not to conduct any promotion exercise during the promotion years 201718 and 2018-19. Hence the respondent Bank has come up with the present “Special channel of promotion” for the promotion year 2019-2020 as a one time exercise. I respectfully submit that the existing Merit and Normal channels have not been dispensed with and a decision on reopening these channels may be taken in due course after a review of the promotion exercise of this year and the future requirements of the Bank. It is also submitted that the Bank as a matter of policy has decided to complete all promotion exercise in a time bound manner to enable the Bank to have effective utilisation of its human resources and to minimize the discomfort to the officers and employees on account of transfers. “ 14.It is further contended that the promotion policy is subject to change as per requirement and that Exts.P3 and P11 decisions are taken after due consultation with recognized Union and that the petitioners cannot contend that there shall be no change in the promotion policy. WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 17 15.In the facts and circumstances of the instant case, I am of the opinion that the question which requires to be considered is whether there is an infringement of the 1[st] petitioner's rights to promotion which requires interference by this Court. The requirements of staff in the bank and the need to fill up posts are matters for the employer bank to decide on. The petitioners cannot contend that Exts.P1 & P2 are policy decisions which cannot be changed under any circumstances. If it is the contention of the petitioners that any bipartite agreement stands violated by Exts.P3 and P11, then the remedy is undoubtedly under the ID Act before the appropriate forum. The respondents contend that a special channel of promotion has been provided to fill up the newly created posts of Grahak Mithra after due consultation with recognized unions. Creation of posts, methods of promotion and necessity of filling up of posts etc. are matters which are normally outside the purview of judicial scrutiny. Unless it can be established that any constitutional or legal right of the petitioners are violated, the challenge against a policy decision taken by the bank to create posts or to provide a method of appointment thereto cannot succeed before this Court. WP(C).No.14352 OF 2019(T) 18 16.In the instance case, the contention of the petitioners is that Exts.P3 and P4 affect the petitioners' chances of promotion under Exts.P1 and P2 detrimentally. However, it is contended by the respondents that no change is being brought about to Ext.P1 and the 1[st] petitioner will be eligible for promotion in accordance with his turn. In case no steps are taken to effect the promotions in pursuance to the staff regulations and the promotion policy, the employees of the Bank will have the right to seek promotions in accordance with law. Having considered the contentions, I find that the prayers sought for cannot be granted. The writ petition, therefore, fails and the same is accordingly dismissed. Sd/- **Anu Sivaraman, Judge** sj/bng ## **APPENDIX** ## **PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:** **EXHIBIT P1 COPY OF THE POLICY FOR PROMOTION TO SUBORDINATE STAFF TO CLEAICAL CADRE IN STATE BANK OF INDIA.** **EXHIBIT P2 COPY OF THE CIRCULAR DATED 03/03/2016 WITH RELEVANT CHAPTER.** - **EXHIBIT P3 COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 08/04/2019 OF THE CHIEF MANAGER, STATE BANK OF INDIA.** - **EXHIBIT P4 COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 09/05/2019 ISSUED BY THE DEPUTY GENERAL MANGER.** - **EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION FILED BY THE 2ND PETITIONER TO THE DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR (HR)DATED16.4.2019** - **EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE EMAIL ISSUED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AT THRISSUR.** - **EXHIBIT P7 TRUE COPY OF THE EMAIL ISSUED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AT KOTTAYAM.** - **EXHIBIT P8 TRUE COPY OF THE LIST HAVING 39 PERSONS WHO HAVE TO BE PROMOTED FROM SUBORDINATE STAFF TO CLERICAL CADRE.** - **EXHIBIT P9 TRUE COPY OF THE LIST HAVING 41 PERSONS WHO HAVE TO BE PROMOTED FROM SUBORDINATE STAFF TO CLERICAL CADRE.** - **EXHIBIT P10 TRUE COPY OF E-CIRCULAR ISSUED BY THE STATE BANK OF INDIA, P & HRD DATED 03.09.2010.** - **EXHIBIT P11 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER OF THE CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER, HR/IR/PKM/823 DATED 29.09.2020.** - **EXHIBIT P12 TRUE COPY OF RELEVANT PAGES OF HR HANDBOOK OF STATE BANK OF INDIA UPDATED AS ON 30/06/2020.** **EXHIBIT P13** **TRUE COPY OF THE MEMORANDUM OF SETTLEMENT DATED 16/04/2008 BETEWEEN STATE BANK OF INDIA AND ALL INDIA STATE BANK OF INDIA STAFF FEDERATION.** |**RESPONDENT'S/S**|**EXHIBITS:**| |---|---| |**EXHIBIT R1(A)**|**TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE EMAIL DATED**| ||**17.6.2019, ADDRESSED TO THE CHIEF MANAGER**| ||**(HR) ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TRICHUR.**| |**EXHIBIT R1(B)**|**TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE LIST OF 64 PERSONS.**| |**EXHIBIT R1(C)**|**TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE LIST OF 9 PERSONS.**|