HC junks bank’s plea to withhold retd staff’s gratuity

The Orissa High Court has ruled that a retired bank employee is entitled to her gratuity, dismissing the Cuttack Central Co-operative Bank’s appeal. The court emphasized that gratuity, a deferred salary, cannot be withheld due to an employee acting as a loan guarantor. Forfeiture is strictly limited to cases of misconduct causing damage or loss during service.