N KUMAR Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has sought writ of certiorari quashing the order dated 14.4.2000 whereby he was informed by respondent No. 1 that the competent authority has decided not to grant any further extension to the petitioner in the post of Managing Director of Bharat Pumps and Compressor, Nairn., Allahabad (hereinafter referred to as BPCL).

(2.) The petitioner was appointed as Managing Director of BPCL, respondent No. 3, vide letter dated 15.10.1993 with effect from 19.10.1993 for a period of five years. The appointment could, however, be terminated by either side by giving three months' notice or pay in lieu thereof. Paragraph 3 of the letter mentioned that the detailed terms and conditions of the appointment will be followed- The petitioner was informed of the terms and conditions of the appointment by letter dated 4th January, 1994. Clause (i) of the terms of appointment provided for the period of appointment as under: ''Period.-The period of his appointment will be five years w.e.f. 19.10.1993 in the first instance or till the age of superannuation whichever is earlier and in accordance with the provisions of the Company Law. The appointment may, however by terminated even during this period by either side on 3 months notice or on payment of three months salary in lieu thereof.''

(3.) The period of five years was to expire on 18.10.1998. The period of appointment of the petitioner was extended for three months on 15.10.1998. This period was extended six times. Each time he was given three months'. The Deputy Secretary to Government of India vide letter dated April 14,2000 intimated to the petitioner that the competent authority has decided not to grant any further extension to him in the post of Managing Director of BPCL. The petitioner has challenged this decision of the respondents.