JUDGMENT

CHINNAPPA REDDY, J.:— Tossed about by the Executive, the Legislature and, we are sorry to say, by us (the Judiciary) too, and therefore, totally bewildered, several civil servants, employees of public sector corporations and teachers working under various local authorities are now before us wanting to know where they stand and to what justice and relief they are entitled. In Feb., 1983, the Government of Andhra Pradesh decided to reduce the age of superannuation of its employees from 58 to 55 years. The Government also issued directives to local authorities and public corporations under its control to do likewise. The age of superannuation was in fact 55 years to begin with. But, earlier, in the year 1979, the Government of Andhra Pradesh had raised the age of superannuation to 58 years, presumably, because of the increased average human longevity in India, the better health and medical facilities available, the improved standard of living, the usefulness in service of experienced employees, the employment situation and potential, and such other relevant considerations. But in February 1983, the Government decided to reduce the age of superannuation. In order to give effec