4.The respondent has filed counter affidavit and the learned
standing counsel for the bank took me through its contents.
The
prime contention of the learned standing counsel is that the message
posted by the petitioner is per se defamatory. The Board of Directors
of the Bank includes women IAS officers. The petitioner had described
their actions in unflattering terms. As per the conduct Rules and the
instruction issued by the management, the act committed by the
petitioner constitutes misconduct. Relying on a catena of decisions,
the learned Standing Counsel contended that the writ petition is not
maintainable. He pressed for its dismissal.
5.I carefully considered the rival contentions and went through
the materials on record. The Tamil Nadu Grama Bank (Officers and
Employees) Service Regulations, 2019 governs the conduct of the
employees of the Bank. Regulations 18 and 20 read as follows:”18.Liability to abide by the regulations and order:every officer or employee shall confirm to and abide by these
regulations and shall also observe, comply with and obey and
directions which may, from time to time be given to him by any
person or persons under whose jurisdiction, superintendence or
control he may for the time being be posted.
20.Obligation to promote the Bank's interest:- Every
officer or employee shall serve the Bank honestly and
faithfully, and shall use his utmost endeavor to promote the
interests of the Bank and shall show courtesy and attention
in all transactions and dealings with officers of Government,
the Bank's constituents and customers.”
3/16