T. Sathiadev, J.

1. W.P. No. 545 of 1979 is filed by the petitioner challenging the order of compulsory retirement passed under Fundamental Rule 56(d) on 13th October, 1977. As the time of passing of the order, he was functioning as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Tamil Nadu Police Service.

2. Petitioner entered service as a Sub-Inspector of Police on 1st September, 1948, and he attained the age of 50 years on 14th July, 1977. A charge memo, dated 25th February, 1976 was framed under Rule 17 (b) of Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules to which he submitted a memorial on 28th February, 1976 to the Inspector-General of Police stating that he would prefer proceedings being referred to Disciplinary Proceedings Tribunal instead of being tried by departmental officers. On 27th May, 1976, he was informed that his request cannot be conceded, as none of the charges against him specifically involves corruption. Therefore the enquiry was directed to be held by the Superintendent of Police, Dharmapuri. Later on it was transferred to the file of the Superintendent of Police, Salem, by an administrative order. On 24th October, 1976, he issued a charge memo,