1. - The petitioner by this writ petition seeks to quash the order-cum-notice of his compulsory retirement from the service, dated 24-2-1973 (Annexure 2) and also the order dated 5-2-1973 (Annexure 1) for treating him on duty during the period 8-8-1948 to 18-1.1951 for qualifying service for pension.

2. The facts giving rise to the present writ petition may be stated briefly as under :

"The petitioner passed Intermediate (Science) Examination in the Near 1942 and secured admission at the Benaras Hindu University. After his admission the Bikaner State Government declared him a Stale Scholar. The petitioner obtained the degree of B. Sc. (Engineering) (Electrical and Mechanical) from Benaras Hindu University in the year 1946. Then the erstwhile Bikaner State started the foreign scholarship scheme, the petitioner applied for higher education in the United States of America in Railway Engineering. During the period the admission could be secured in the U.S.A. and formalities could be completed, the petitioner secured " a job and was appointed as Shift Engineer in the Electrical and Mechanical Department of the Bikaner Power House from 18-7-1946. The Government sanction for appoin