(1) LEAVE granted.

(2) WE have heard learned counsel on both sides. The appellant was a direct recruit as a Reader and was appointed with effect from July 1987 in the Home Science Institute, Agra University. The third respondent, Dr (Mrs) Him Kumar, was appointed as a Lecturer with effect from 6/7/1968 and she was confirmed on 13/5/1969. She was promoted as a Reader on 18/2/1985 pursuant to the personal promotion scheme. On appointment as Vice- Chancellor of Bundelkhand University, Dr (Mrs) S.R Rahquir proceeded on a long leave. Consequently, the post of the Director became vacant. The question then arose as to who is to be nominated to hold that post temporarily till the Director is appointed. Dr (Mrs) Kumar Kumar claimed the post, but the University did not accede to that request. The Vice-Chancellor, to avoid controversy, had appointed a Committee headed by Dr S.V. Pandey and the appellant and the third respondent as the members, with effect from 9/1/1995. Dr (Mrs) Hiru Kumar filed a writ petition in the High court claiming that she had earlier officiated as Director in leave vacancies of the erstwhile Director viz. Dr (Mrs) S.R Rahquir. She is the seniormost teac