KULDIP SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition seeks quashing of instructions Annexure P.3 dated 27.1.2010 granting extension in service for one year to employees whose retirement age fell from 22.1.2010 to 3 1. 12.2010.

(2.) Case of the petitioner is that even though, under the service rules applicable to category of the petitioner, age of retirement was 58 years and after the said age, no employee could be retained in service "except in exceptional circumstances with the sanction of competent authority on public grounds, which must be recorded in writing", instructions P.3 have been issued which are in conflict with the rules. On account of the said instructions, promotion chances of the petitioner have been affected as the vacancy which would have become available, has remained occupied.

(3.) Reply has been filed on behalf of the State justifying the impugned order as being consistent with Rule 3.26 (a) of the Punjab Civil Services Rules, Volume I Part I.