Judgment

DUTT, J. :- These two appeals are directed against a common judgment of the Division Bench of the Madras High Court whereby, in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the High Court quashed the orders of compulsory retirement of the two respondents, Mr. R. Rajiah and Mr. K. Rajeswaran, who were then the District Munsifs.

2. The respondent, R. Rajiah, originally joined service as a Sub-Magistrate on 3-3-1965. On 6-1-1973, he was appointed a District Munsif in the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Service. While he was functioning as District Munsif, on 3-3-1980 the Registrar of the High Court, the appellant herein, sent a communication to the respondent Rajiah stating therein that he was being compulsorily retired from service in public interest with effect from 3-3-1980.

3. The other respondent, K. Rajeswaran, was also originally appointed a Sub-Magistrate in 1953. On 29-11-1971, he was appointed a District Munsif having been selected by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. On 22-2-1976, the High Court passed an order confirming him as District Munsif with effect from 1-1-1976. On 27-10-1976, the High Court passed an order compulsorily retir