STATE OF U.P. vs BIHARI LAL

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that the compulsory retirement of the respondent, an Assistant Commissioner in the Sales Tax Department, violated Article 311 of the Constitution due to lack of opportunity and arbitrary exercise of power. The Court emphasized that the entire service record must be considered before such a decision is made under Rule 560(j) of the Fundamental Rules. The appeal was dismissed as no useful purpose would be served in allowing it, given the respondent's imminent retirement on May 31, 1995.