1. - The petitioner, who was born on November 23,1922 was initially employed as a work charge Sub Overseer in the Public Works Department of the former State of Jodhpur on September 6, 1940. He was confirmed as Sub Overseer on July 1, 1944 and was thereafter promoted as an Overseer. The petitioner continued to hold the post of Overseer until April 7, 1949 when the princely State of Jodhpur integrated into the United State of Rajasthan. The petitioner was appointed as a Senior Overseer with effect from 7.4.1949 as a result of the integration of the services of the covenanting States. He was subsequently promoted as an officiating Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Department, Rajasthan with effect from December 11, 1959. On July 19, 1972 the petitioner was approved by the Departmental Promotion committee for appointment as a regular officiating Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Department, but before he could be so appointed, the petitioner was compulsorily retired from Government service by the order of the State Government dated September 2, 1972 with effect from the date of the expiry of three calendar months from the service of the aforesaid order upon him. The