(1.) This is a case of a teacher who has been denied extension of service, though he is a state awardee. The petitioner D. S. Sharma was the principal of a Government Higher Secondary School in 1970. He is a B.A.B.T. He had put in 27 years service in the education department of the respondent, Delhi Administration. In 1966 the Delhi Administration instituted state awards on the model of national awards for teachers. This was a scheme of honouring the teachers for their meritorious and commendable services. A teacher who had rendered 20 years of distinguished service in the field of education could be selected for the state award. The avowed object was to honour the teachers and to raise their status. The awards are a veritable roll call of honour.
(2.) On 24th May, 1971 a state award was given to the petitioner for the year 1970 "in recognition of his distinguished service rendered in the field of education". In the citation it was said about him that "he possesses a long teaching experience of 27 years" and "his contribution in the propagation of social and adult education has been significant."
(3.) On 7th November, 1970 the Directorate of Education Delhi Administration issued the following circular: