- (1.) The prayer made in this writ petition is for quashing of order dated July 3, 1984 (Annexure P-1) whereby the petitioner was prematurely retired on completion of 50 years of age, who was also having more than 25 years of qualifying service. The order was passed in exercise of powers under Rule 3(1)(a) of the Punjab Civil Services (Premature Retirement) Rules, 1975 (for short "the Rules").
(2.) The pleaded facts, in brief, are that the petitioner joined Punjab Police Force as Constable on August 1, 1950 after passing matriculation examination. He was promoted as Head Constable on November 1, 1975 and was allowed to cross efficiency bar vide order dated February 18, 1984 with effect from January 1, 1984. The claim of the petitioner is that during his entire service career, he was never subjected to departmental enquiry involving major punishment. The petitioner, relying on the order permitting him to cross efficiency bar, submitted that even if there was anything against the petitioner prior thereto, the same was wiped out. There was nothing in service record of the petitioner, which prompted the authorities for passing the impugned order prematurely retiring him at the age of 50 years.
(3.) In the written statement filed, respondents disputed the claim made by the petitioner stating therein that petitioner was awarded two punishments of censure in the years 1972 and 1980. The conduct of the petitioner as Head Constable was commented upon adversely in the Confidential Report for the period April 1, 1980 to September 30, 1980 and From September 12, 1981 to March 31, 1982. While screening his entire record at the age of 50 years, it was opined that petitioner should be retired compulsorily in public interest.;