OM PARKASH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners were retired from service on December 31, 1989 and July 31, 1984 respectively. The orders of retirement were passed on their attaining the age of 58 years. The petitioners claim that having been recruited as Clerks in the erstwhile State of Pepsu, they were entitled to continue in service upto the age of 60 years. They pray that the orders of retirement be quashed.

(2.) The respondents contest the claim of the petitioners on a two-fold basis. Firstly, it is submitted that in the erstwhile State of Pepsu only members of the inferior service were entitled to continue upto the age of 60 years. The petitioners had been recruited as Clerks. They were not members of the inferior service. Consequently, they were not entitled to continue till the age of 60 years. Secondly, it is submitted that the orders of retirement had been passed in the years 1989 and 1984 respectively. The petitioners have approached this, Court in the year 1998. The claim cannot be entertained at such a belated stage.

(3.) We have heard learned counsel for the parties.