Judgment

SIKRI, CJI.:- The respondent Ram Kishan, hereinafter referred to as the plaintiff, a Foot Constable, filed a suit in the Court of Sub Judge Ist Class, Delhi, challenging his dismissal from service by an order dated 25th October, 1960. This order was passed by Shri M. K. Saxena, Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Delhi. It was alleged by the plaintiff that this order was bad and illegal on various grounds. Two grounds may be mentioned here: (1) That Shri M. K. Saxena, Superintendent of Police( traffic). Delhi was not a District Superintendent of Police; (2) That the mandatory provisions of Punjab Police Rule 16.38 had been violated inasmuch as no information was given to the District Magistrate as laid down in the Punjab Police Rule 16.38 (1) and the District Magistrate never decided whether the preliminary investigation was to be conducted by the police or by a selected Magistrate 1st Class. It was further alleged that even the provisions of sub-Rule (2) of Rule 16.38 were not observed. The learned Sub-Judge decreed the suit and gave a declaration that the dismissal of the plaintiff was void. A decree for Rs. 1151/- was passed in favour of the Foot Constable. Among other i