( 1 ) THIS writ petition has been filed for a writ of certiorari to quash the impugned order dated february 11, 2003 passed by the respondent no. 1, Chairman and Managing Director, indian Overseas Bank Ltd. (Annexure 10 to the petition ). Petitioner has also prayed for a mandamus directing the respondent to accept the petitioners option/application for IOB officers/employees Voluntary Retirement scheme, 2000.

( 2 ) HEARD learned counsel for the parties.

( 3 ) THE petitioner is presently working as chief Manager (Scale-IV) in Indian Overseas bank, Civil Lines Branch. Allahabad. The date of birth of the petitioner is July 1, 1949. Thus, he has completed over 53 years of age. The petitioner joined the service of the Bank on october 26, 1970 and had been working as chief Manager (Scale-IV) since 1998.

( 4 ) IN para 4 of the petition it is stated that the petitioners service as Chief Manager (Scale-IV) has been appreciated by his superior authorities in view of his sincerity and honesty throughout. In para 6 it is alleged that in the year 2000, the Bank introduced the scheme called Indian Overseas Bank officers/employees Voluntary Retirement scheme, 2000 (hereinafter referre