SAHGAL, J. :-This is a plaintiff's appeal whose claim for a sum of Rs. 31,931.06 P. has been decreed for a sum of Rs. 20,529.06 P. only and has been dismissed for the rest of the amount. But as a counter-claim has been decreed against him in favour of the defendants for a sum of Rs. 20,529.06 P. that is, the amount for which his suit had been decreed, this appeal has been valued at Rs. 31,931.06 P. that is the whole amount for which the original suit was filed. There is a cross objection also to the extent of Rs. 26,239.54 P. praying for the setting aside of the decree passed against the defendants respondents to the extent of Rs. 20,529.06 p. and for interest on the amount for which the counter-claim was decreed by the trial Court amounting to Rs. 5,710.48 P.

2. The plaintiff appellant belonged to the Indian Service of Engineers and was posted in the State of Uttar Pradesh. By an order of the President dated the 17th of April, 1953 he was ordered to be compulsorily retired forthwith. On receiving the communication relating to the order of the retirement of the plaintiff, the Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh directed the Chief Engineer, Irrigation Department und