( 1 ) IN this petition Rule was issued on 2-4-2004 and ad-interim relief staying the order relieving the petitioner from the post of assistant Administrative Officer was granted. Thus, the petition was placed before this Court for consideration of confirmation/vacation of interim relief. At the joint request of the learned Advocates appearing for both the sides, however, the petition was heard for final disposal from time to time. Accordingly, I have heard the learned Advocates appearing for the parties at considerable length.

( 2 ) IN this petition, the petitioner has challenged the action of the respondents in not permitting him to withdraw his notice of voluntary retirement. In particular, the petitioner has prayed for a direction to quash and set aside the order dated 5-1-2004 passed by the respondents by which the notice of voluntary retirement given by the petitioner on 5-1-2004 was accepted.

( 3 ) SHORT facts leading to the present petition are that the petitioner, who is working as Assistant Administrative Officer with the respondent No. 1, i. e. , physical Research Laboratory, had sent a notice of voluntary retirement on 5-1-2004. The petitioner had by the