( 1 ) SPECIAL leave granted.

( 2 ) THE only question that falls for consideration in this appeal is whether Respondent I, D. Hanumantha Rao (hereinafter referred to as "the respondent"), is entitled for extension of service after his attaining the age of 58 years under Rule 19 (1 of the State Bank of India Officers Service Rules (hereinafter referred to as "the Service Rules") which provides as under:

"19. (1 An officer shall retire from the service of the Bank on attaining the age of fifty-eight years or upon the completion of thirty years service or thirty years pensionable service if he is a member of the Pension Fund, whichever occurs first: Provided that the competent authority may, at its discretion, extend the period of service of an officer who has attained the age of fifty-eight years or has completed thirty years service or thirty years pensionable service as the case may be, should such extension be deemed desirable in the interest of the Bank, so however, that the service rendered by the officer concerned beyond 58 years of age except to the extent of the period of leave due at that time will not count for purpose of pension: Provided further that an officer who had join