ORDER :

Altamas Kabir, Cyriac Jospeph, JJ.

Having regard to the explanation offered by the petitioners regarding the reason for the delay in filing the special leave petition , we are satisfied that sufficient grounds have been made out for condoning such delay and such delay is, therefore, condoned.

2. This special leave petition is directed against the judgment and order dated 21st October, 2003 passed by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court dismissing the writ petition No.6244 of 1982 filed by the State of U.P. in which the judgment and order dated 7th September, 1992, passed by the U.P. Public Service Tribunal setting aside the order of termination of the services of the respondent No.1 issued by the State Government on 18th August, 1981, was challenged.

3. The respondent No.1 was appointed as Assistant Engineer in the Irrigation department of the State Government on 14th May, 1973 on an ad hoc basis and his services were regularised on 20th March, 1980 from the date of his initial joining. Subsequently, on 25th May, 1981, the respondent No.1 was trapped allegedly taking a bribe, as a consequence whereof, a case under Section 161 I.P.C. and Section 5(2) of the Prevention o