( 1 ) THE issue raised in this petition which is filed in the nature of public interest litigation relates to the appointmentof the Director of All India Institute of medical Sciences (for short the Institute ). In fact the petitioner has challenged orders dated 21st April, 1999 and 19th June, 2001 vide which the tenure of the respondent No. 3 as Director of the Institute was extended twice. These extensions are challenged by the petitioner alleging that the same are contrary to the provisions contained in the All India Institute of medical Sciences Act, 1956 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act ) as well as Rules and Regulations framed under the said Act. Before we embark upon the controversy which is raised in this petition, it would be apposite to have background material which shall enable us to appreciate the controversy more appropriately.

( 2 ) THE All India Institute of Medical Sciences Act is a Central enactment which came into existence in the year 1956, with the objectives to develop patterns of teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in all its branches so as to demonstrate a high standard of medical education to all medical colleges an