When the provisions of a statute relate to the performance of a public duty and the case is such 647 that to hold null and void acts done in neglect of this duty would work serious general inconvenience, or injustice to persons who have no control over those entrusted with the duty, and at the same time would not promote the main object of the Legislature, it has been the practice to hold such provisions to be directory only, the neglect of them, though punishable, not affecting the validity of the acts done." In Manbodhan Lal 's case, (supra) the contention was that the reduction in rank after departmental inquiry was invalid for noncompliance with the requirements of article 320 (3) (c) of the Constitution which read literally made it obligatory for the Government of India or a Government of a State to consult the Union Public Service Commission or the State Public Service Commission in all disciplinary matters affecting a person in service of the State.