V. Ratnam, C.J.—The petitioner Dr. K.C. Malhotra joined H.P. University since its very inception and had been posted as Dean of Sciences, Dean of Students Welfare and Dean of Studies. He was appointed as an acting Vice-Chancellor in the University of Himachal Pradesh on 18th January, 1986 and with effect from 1st March, 1986, he was appointed as Vice-Chancellor for a period of five years as was then prescribed under the Himachal Pradesh University Act (hereinafter to be called as the Act), The Act was later on amended and the term of the office of the Vice-Chancellor was reduced to three years. However, the petitioner continued to have renewal of the term as Vice-Chancellor and finally on 6th July, 1991, his term of office of Vice-Chancellor was renewed for a further period of three years vide order dated 6th July, 1991 (Annexure PA). The petitioners three years term was to expire in July, 1994 but in the meantime on 22nd September, 1993, a notification was issued by the respondent No.1 purporting to be in exercise of the powers vested in him under section 12 (5) of the Act, ordering removal of the petitioner from the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the respondent Universi