With regard to the claims of State Bank of India (SBI) officials, the Madras High Court ruled, reimbursement for international travel is not an absolute right.
On June 24, Justice SM Subramaniam dismissed a writ petition by the All India State Bank Officers’ Federation in Chennai and the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation in New Delhi, opposing several orders made in 2014 by the concerned authorities and He was ordered to continue with the grant of leave. Travel Concession (LTC) to cover international travel as they did for bank officers before April 2014.
Dismissing the case, the judge observed that it is in the public interest to follow the policy of the Central Government with regard to LTC to be given to the public sector officers. banks,
Since Rule 44 of the State Bank of India Officers’ Service Rules, 1992 is not in compliance with the instructions issued earlier to help the officers get reimbursement for international travel, the same shall be interpreted as an absolute authority conferred on the officers of SBI. nor whether there is any bilateral agreement or agreement between the parties.
Since the benefit granted to SBI officers under Rule 44 of the SBI Officers Service Rules, 1992 has not been withdrawn, there is no infringement of service rights or conditions, the judge said.
As per the directions of the Union Finance Ministry and the circular issued by the Indian Banks’ Association, the concession and facility given for obtaining reimbursement of foreign travel expenses was cancelled.
Facility provided through additional facility through letter. All public sector banks should follow the policy of the Central Government, which was accepted by the Indian Banks Association in the best interest of the public.
Now that this fact has been established, there is no room for further debate or interaction with SBI officials as the removal of this additional facility will not violate the service rights or conditions of employment of the officers, the court ruled.
It is pointless to give chance to anyone in these circumstances, and the bank officials are not biased or infringing on their service rights, it said.
According to the court, more independence should be given to executive functions in foreign affairs, and SBI’s decision is in accordance with the policy of the Government of India that was approved by the Indian Banks Association.
“Thus, this Court finds no distortion or infirmity with respect to the decision taken by SBI on the basis of the policy decision of the Government of India, which was adopted by the Indian Banks Association. Thus, the writ petition is devoid of merit,” The judge said and dismissed it.
(with PTI inputs)