Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 22-09-2026 (signed 2026.09.22 17:04:25 IST)

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioners – Punjab National Bank & Ors.; Respondent – Sanjay Kumar Srivastava.
  • Origin: Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No. 32810/2026, arising from the impugned final judgment and order dated 19-06-2026 in LPA No. 911/2018 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Patna.
  • Background: The respondent was terminated from service in the year 2000. He was reinstated on 12-08-2026. The bank contends that payment of back wages for the intervening twenty‑six years would cause prejudice to the bank.
  • Additional Proceeding: A contempt petition was filed by the respondent, prompting the court to consider an interim stay on that petition.

Order

  • The Court directed that a notice be issued to the respondent.
  • An interim stay of further proceedings in the contempt petition is granted, subject to the respondent paying 10% of the back wages accrued from the date of removal (2000) until reinstatement (12-08-2026).
  • The payment must be made within four weeks from the date of this order (i.e., by 20-10-2026).
  • Condition: If the respondent fails to comply with the payment requirement, the interim stay shall be automatically vacated, and the contempt proceedings will resume.

Final Outcome

  • Notice to be issued to Sanjay Kumar Srivastava.
  • Interim stay on the contempt petition remains in force only if the respondent pays the stipulated 10% of back wages within the stipulated four‑week period; otherwise, the stay is lifted automatically.

Topics: Banking, Employment Law, Court Proceedings