The Calcutta High Court has ordered Punjab National Bank (PNB) to compensate a bank official with a disability to the tune of ₹3 lakh, citing the bank’s “reprehensible” actions against him. The ruling mandates that all Public Sector Banks undergo sensitivity training regarding the treatment of persons with disabilities.
In 2015, Anirban Pal, a PNB officer, was left with a 70% disability following a severe motor accident. Despite his disability, Pal was promoted in 2018 but transferred to Patna against his wishes. His pleas to stay in Calcutta, where he had caregiving support, were ignored. This forced him to join the Patna office under duress, leading to significant discomfort and subsequent leave.
The Court criticized PNB for its lack of compassion and failure to adhere to its own transfer policies. It highlighted that four officers of similar rank had been transferred to Calcutta without issue, debunking the bank’s claim of no available positions. Justice Rajasekhar Mantha underscored that the bank’s behavior was in direct violation of the 2016 Act for Persons with Disabilities and its own guidelines.
The Court called for disciplinary actions against those responsible and emphasized the need for better awareness and adherence to policies concerning disabled employees across all public sector banks. While the Court did not restore Pal’s promotion due to his delayed request, it imposed a penalty on PNB for its unjust treatment.
