JUDGMENT

Banerjee, J.-The challenge in this appeal, by the grant of special leave, is to a judgment of the Allahabad High Court allowing a writ petition upon having an order of compulsory retirement dated 18th May 1998, set aside and quashed.

2. Before adverting to the contentions raised in the matter, a brief factual reference would be convenient at this juncture. The petitioner was appointed as a direct recruit Naib Tehsildar on 19th May, 1955. The records depict that in April, 1980 the petitioner was promoted to the rank of Tehsildar and subsequently in March, 1995 to the rank of Deputy Collector. The petitioner joined the post as such in April, 1995 at Pitthorgarh District. Further in 1998, the petitioner however was served with an order of compulsory retirement in terms of the report of the Screening Committee dated 2nd January, 1998. The Screening Committee reported as below:

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3. In the case of Sh. Lalsa Ram the Officer mentioned against S.No.62 of the Enclosure A. The Screening Committee on considering thoroughly his relevant service records