( 1 ) BY this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner has challenged an award dated 21st of March, 1987 made by the Industrial Tribunal No. III, Delhi.

( 2 ) THE award has been made on a dispute between the parties in respect of a circular No. 3267/doi dated 22nd of December, 1975 issued by the petitioner-corporation directing that no municipal employee shall be allowed to act as a defence assistant in more than one case during a year.

( 3 ) EMPLOYEES of the Corporation, so far as conduct of enquiry and disciplinary action is concerned, are governed by the Delhi Municipal Corporation (Control and Appeal) Regulations, 1959. Regulation 8 prescribes the procedure for imposing penalty. Clause (5) of Regulation 8 is relevant for the present purpose and is set out below :-

" (5) The Disciplinary Authority may nominate any person to present the case in support of the charges before the Inquiring Authority. The municipal officer or other municipal employee may present his case with the assistance of any other municipal officer or employee approved by the Disciplinary Authority, but shall not engage a legal practitioner for the purpose unless th