The Delhi High Court has directed Punjab & Sind Bank to pay ₹50,000 to a former manager who foiled a robbery attempt at the bank’s Najafgarh branch in 1998. The amount will carry 12% annual interest.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna also directed the bank to pay ₹2 lakh as litigation costs to the manager, Surjit Singh. The Court criticised the bank for making Singh fight a legal battle for 28 years to receive recognition and compensation for his bravery.
The Court said that the bank and the government should have rewarded Singh under the applicable guidelines instead of arguing that his actions were simply part of his official duty.
The Court observed that the issue was not only about money. It was also about honour and recognition, which Singh should have received without having to approach the court.
How Surjit Singh Foiled the Robbery
The robbery took place on a winter afternoon in December 1998. Five armed robbers entered the bank carrying automatic weapons. The security guards surrendered their weapons, while the cashier followed the robbers’ instructions and handed over cash.
Singh was surrounded by the robbers, and one of them even pointed a revolver at his head. Despite the danger, Singh managed to reach the emergency alarm button and press it.
The alarm caused the robbers to panic and run towards the exit. Singh then blocked their way, causing the bag containing the stolen money to fall.
The robbers had initially taken around ₹40 lakh, but they could escape with only ₹75,000.
Bank Initially Recommended Him for an Award
After the incident, Singh’s bravery was widely praised in the media by the bank’s management. The bank’s General Manager also recommended his name for an award.
A 1991 Government of India circular provided for compensation of up to ₹50,000 and an out-of-turn promotion for bank employees who actively resisted bank robberies.
Singh therefore repeatedly wrote to the bank seeking the benefits available under the circular. However, the bank rejected his claim.
The bank argued that Singh was a manager and was only performing his official duties. It said that his actions could not be treated as an act of bravery.
Singh then approached the court in 2005.
Court Praises His Courage
In its judgment delivered on September 9, the Delhi High Court said that the robbery was foiled because of Singh’s presence of mind and exceptional courage.
The Court compared his courage to that of a soldier fighting at the border. It noted that Singh ignored the serious threat to his life and acted to protect the bank.
The Court made it clear that pressing the emergency alarm during an armed robbery was not a routine part of a bank manager’s job. According to the Court, Singh took a serious personal risk and acted with exceptional courage.
The Court also criticised the bank for treating his bravery as merely part of his duty. It said that this approach reduced the importance of his extraordinary act and was unfair to someone who had put his life at risk.
Court Criticises Bank’s Conduct
The Court said Singh, despite being the hero of the incident, was forced to go through years of legal and bureaucratic procedures to get recognition for his actions.
Justice Krishna also praised Singh for continuing his 28-year fight for his rights against the system.
The Court said the bank should have recognised and rewarded his bravery on its own instead of forcing him to seek compensation through litigation.
The Delhi High Court directed Punjab & Sind Bank to pay Singh ₹50,000 with 12% annual interest and ₹2 lakh in litigation costs within three months.
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