The impugned order ran thus: "WHEREAS the Director of Audit, Defence Services, New Delhi (appropriate authority) is of the opinion that it is in the public interest to do so, NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers con ferred by clause (j)(i) of rule 56 of the Fundamental Rules, the Director of Defence Services (appropriate authority) hereby gives notice to Shri C.D. Ailawadi, Audit Officer, Defence Services that he, having already attained the age of 50 years on the 22nd November, 1969, shall retire from service with effect from the forenoon of the 4th of Decem ber, 1975, or from the date of expiry of three months com puted from the date of the service of this notice on him, whichever is later." The petitioner has pleaded that he was efficient and had risen 785 from the rank of a Clerk to the post of Audit Officer in which he was confirmed with effect from 3.12.