S.B. AKALI Vs. UOI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE controversy in the present case relates to the Defence Research and Development Organization (hereinafter referred to as the 'DRDO').

(2.) FOR carrying on scientific and technological research and development work on projects of vital importance to the defence forces DRDO was established in the year 1958 by amalgamating the Defence Science Organization and some of the technical development establishments. The head of DRDO is a civilian, namely, the Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Defence. The personnel of DRDO consist largely of civilian scientists and a few officers drawn from the three defence forces. The service officers from the three defence forces are initially taken on short tenure and if found suitable are permanently seconded to DRDO. The service of the service officers who are permanently seconded and absorbed in DRDO is thereafter governed by the terms and conditions applicable to the officers of DRDO.

(3.) ON November 23, 1979 the Ministry of Defence, Government of India issued an Office Memorandum laying down the procedure for intake and permanent secondment of service officers (officers belonging to three defence forces) in DRDO, the relevant portion whereof reads as under: -