JUDGMENT

Ruma Pal, J.-Leave granted.

2. The appellant has challenged the decision of the High Court of Allahabad dismissing his writ petition and upholding an order passed by the respondent No.1 terminating the appellant s services.

3. The appellant was temporarily appointed on 10th April 1996 to the post of Joint Director (Materials Management) of respondent No.1 Clauses 3 and 4 of the letter of appointment provided:

"3. This appointment is temporary and can be terminated on one month s notice from either side or in lieu of this notice on payment of a sum equivalent to one month s salary.

4. You will be on probation for a period of one year from the date of appointment and the probation period may at the discretion of the competent authority be curtailed or extended by such period as deemed necessary."

4. The period of probation was extended on 23rd June 1997 for a period of six months w.e.f. 30th April 1997. This was subsequently further extended for a period of three months w.e.f. 30th October 1997. On 6th February 1998, the impugned order of termination was issued. The language used in the order reads.

"......During the period of our work (sic) and conduct was found sati