Rajasthan High Court cancels Transfer of SBI Employee, Says Banks Must Show Empathy in Transfers
The Rajasthan High Court set aside the transfer of a State Bank of India employee from Jaipur to Hyderabad. The employee was suffering from a serious medical condition but the Bank still transferred him. The Court said that banks must take a practical approach and show empathy towards employees.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma said that while deciding transfers, authorities must consider the medical condition of employees. This is especially important if the employee has served for many years and is suffering from serious health problems.
The case was filed by a bank employee who challenged his transfer from Jaipur to Hyderabad. He said that he was suffering from Ischemic Stroke. Due to this, his body movement was limited, and he depended on his family for daily activities and care.
The bank argued that as per a circular dated May 2, 2023, each circle can have only one Local Head Office and limited positions, including only one Official Language Officer (OLO).
After hearing both sides, the Court examined the circular. It found that in some cases, more than one OLO had been allowed in different circles. It also noted that even in the New Delhi Circle, an additional post had been permitted.
The Court said that the circular does not strictly limit the number of OLOs to one. It allows flexibility based on needs.
The Court observed that the bank was being too rigid in following the circular. It said that such circulars should not be applied strictly when an employee is facing serious medical issues.
Finally, the Court set aside the transfer order. It allowed the employee to continue working and directed the bank to pass a suitable order for his posting in Jaipur.
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