Naveen Babu 25 March 2021

public servant

is CO Operative bank Saff coming under the definition of public servent ?

Quick Summary

This discussion delves into the complex question of whether Co-operative Bank staff can be classified as public servants. While banking is considered a public utility, the determination hinges on factors like government stake, control, the nature of duties, and fund involvement. The apex court's ruling in Ramesh Gelli Vs. Union of India allows CBI investigation into such officials for corruption, but specific precedents for co-operative banks remain unclear.

2 Replies

G.L.N. Prasad (Retired employee.) 26 March 2021

It is a complicated query. In the case of Ramesh Gelli Vs. Union of India, the apex court held that as Banking is a public utility service, CBI can take up an investigation against such alleged officials for corruption. The stake of Government, controls exercised, the nature of duties of that employee, involvement of such funds may determine as to whether Co-op Bank employee is a public servant or not.. According to my knowledge, there is no precedence in earlier rulings involving a co-op Bank and I do not have details of Maharashtra Punjab co-op Bank issue.