1. The spinal issue which necessitated a reference to the Full Bench in this appeal under Clause X of the Letters Patent is - Whether Statute 31 (2) framed by the Guru Nanak University has been substantially complied with and if not so, whether the provisions thereof are mandatory or directory in character ?

2. A detailed reference to the facts of the case has now indeed become inevitable. However at the very outset, it deserves notice that the matter herein is essentially simple. It revolves around the twin refusal (on 16.06.1973 and 13.10.1974) of the Syndicate of the Guru Nanak University to confirm the petitioner in the post of Secretary Sports (Women) against which she had been appointed on probation for a period of one year.

3. It is not in dispute that Mrs. Iqbal Kaur Sandhu, petitioner-respondent, had a reasonably distinguished career in the narrow and limited field of the women s sports at the University and later at an All India level. She also secured a Ph.D. Degree in Physical Education and had considerable opportunities to travel abroad in connection with her profession. However, as the learned Counsel for the appellant-University rightly pointed out the issue