M.P. PRADHAN vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court ruled that the appellant, having joined government service as a paid apprentice on a permanent basis on July 1, 1937, is entitled to superannuation at the age of 60 under Fundamental Rule 56(c)(i). The Court found that the Central Administrative Tribunal's conclusion that the appellant was not in permanent service until August 1, 1941, was incorrect, as the service book entries confirmed his permanent status from the outset. Consequently, the Court held that the appellant's retirement at age 58 was illegal and he should have been allowed to continue until age 60.