1. The petitioner joined the first respondent-University as Assistant Professor on 16.02.1989. He was promoted as Associate Professor on 07.08.1997, after proper selection.

2. In the year 1999, the petitioner sought permission from the first respondent-University to undergo Post Doctoral Specialized Training in the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. The first respondent granted permission vide the order dated 11.03.1999 for a period of two years to undergo the Post Doctoral Specialized Training at USA.

3. The petitioner successfully completed the Post Doctoral Specialized Training Programme within the stipulated period and rejoined the first respondent-University on 11.04.2001. Thereafter, he made a representation on 19.03.2002 to the first respondent-University to treat the period of Extra-Ordinary Leave (EOL) availed for Post Doctoral Specialized Training as qualifying service to count for pension as well as Career Advancement scheme. The first respondent passed an order dated 11.04.2002 counting the period of Extra-Ordinary Leave from 06.05.1999 to 10.04.2001, for Post Doctoral Fellowship-Specialized Training in the University of Alabama in USA, as qualifying s