Holding

A statutory tenure appointment under the NCTE Act can be terminated only on the specific disqualifications enumerated in Sections 5 and 6; therefore the Union’s termination of the respondent’s deputation was invalid.

Summary

The respondent, a Director of the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Uttar Pradesh, was selected as Chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for a four‑year term or until age 60 under the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993. While serving, a State Vigilance Commission inquiry led to a First Information Report and his suspension by the State Government. The Union of India then terminated his deputation to NCTE. The respondent challenged the termination, arguing that his appointment was statutory and could be ended only under Sections 5 and 6 of the Act, which list specific disqualifications that he had not incurred. The Union contended that the appointment was a pleasure appointment and could be ended under Article 310 or by invoking Article 142 to fill the statutory gap. The Supreme Court held that the Chairperson’s post is a tenure appointment governed by the Act; absent any disqualification under Sections 5 or 6, the Central Government could not cut short the term. The Court rejected the pleasure‑appointment argument and declined to invoke Article 142, affirming that statutory provisions must be followed. Consequently, the termination order was set aside and the appeal dismissed.

Issues considered

The nature of the Chairperson’s appointment under the NCTE Act – statutory tenure versus pleasure appointment
Whether the Central Government could terminate the appointment without a disqualification under Sections 5 and 6 of the Act
Whether Article 310 of the Constitution or Article 142 can be invoked to fill the alleged statutory lacuna
Whether the respondent’s posting to NCTE constituted a deputation that could be repatriated

Legislation cited

National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993s. 4, s. 5, s. 6

Subjects

statutory appointmenttenure postdisqualificationNCTEArticle 310Article 142deputationservice law

Judgment

·~ UNION OF INDIA AND ANR. A
v.
SHARDINDU

MAY 16, 2007

[A.K. MATHURANDTARUN CHATTERJEE,JJ.] B

Service law:
_,.-{
National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993-Sections 5 and
6--Director, State Council for Educational Research and Training [SCERT} c
in a State selected as Chairperson ofNational Council for Teacher Education
[NCTE} under the Act for a period of four years or till he attained the age
of 60 years, whichever was earlier-Pursuant to inquiry conducted by State
Vigilance Commission for his tenure as Director ofSCERT. a First Information
Report registered implicating him-State Government suspended him pending D
commencement of disciplinary proceeding and Union of India terminated his
deputation as Chairperson, NCTE-Correctness of-Held-Tenure of
Chairperson could not be cut short-It was a tenure post, and none of
l )' disqualifications mentioned in Section 5 of the Act had been incurred-In
absence of any provision that for previous misconduct tenure could be cut
short, Central Government could not e'xercise that power; it was more so in E
view of clear provisions of disqualification and removal in the Act-As
language of those provisions was plain and unambiguous, Supreme Court
could not supply casus omissus by exercising power under Article 142 of
Constitution, 1950-Also, appointment was statutory, and not at pleasure of
President of India-Though incumbent held a lien on his post in State, his
F
appointment was not purely on deputation as selection was under the Act;
-...-
it was more like a permission as after expiry offour years, Chairperson was
left with some period of service and permission was sought from State for
joining.

Respondent was working as Director, State Council for Educational G
Research and Training [SCERT) in the State of Uttar Pradesh. He was
selected as Chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education [NCTE)
--( under the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993 for a period of

1039
H
1040 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A four years or till he attained the age of 60 years, whichever was earlier. He
was relieved by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and assumed the charge of
the new post However, while he was working as Director of SCERT an inquiry
was conducted by the State Vigilance Commission. Based on report therein a
First Information Report was registered implicating him and the State
Government suspended him pending commencement of disciplinary
B proceeding. When this fact came to the notice of the appellant, Union of India-
terminated his deputation as Chairperson. NCTE. He challenged this before
the High Court in a writ petition, and same was allowed. Hence, the appellant
filed the present appeal by Special Leave Petition.

Appellant contended that (i) the present contingency viz. if the incumbent
C is charge-sheeted for his past conduct then what is the remedy, was not
visualized by draftsmen of the Act, hence, the lacunae and vacuum can be filled
up by the Court invoking Article 142 of the Constitution oflndia, 1950 (ii)
the respondent was an appointee of the State ofUttar Pradesh and had a lien
on his post there, therefore, even if he has not been sent on deputation by the
D State of Uttar Pradesh, still he would be deemed to be on deputation (iii) since
the deputation period has been terminated, the respondent can be sent back
to his parent department (iv) the appointing authority is the Union of India
and it is a pleasure appointment, therefore under Article 310 of the
Constitution of India, the President can terminate the services of an
incumbent, and they need not to follow the procedure laid down under Sections
E 5 and 6 of the Act.

Respondent contended that as his appointment was statutory, the
termination thereof could only be done in the manner provided under the Act
viz. i.e. Section 6, and there was no question of filling up the lacunae as the
Act was very clear.
F Dismissing the appeal, the Court

HELD i. From the scheme of the Act and the Rules it is apparent that
the appointment of the Chairperson of the NCTE is a tenure post for a period
of four years or any person attaining the age of sixty years whichever is
earlier. Section 5 deals with disqualification and none of the disqualifications
G mentioned in that section has been incurred by the respondent.
[Para 16] (1050-B-C]

2.1. If there was any provi~ion that for his previous misconduct his tenure
could be cut short, then it is understandable that the Central Government
H could have exercised their powers. But in absence of such provision a statutory
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU 1041
appointment cannot be cut short, specially when the incumbent has not A
incurred any disqualifications under the Act It may appear to be embarrassing
but nonetheless the Court can not ignore the statutory provisions. If the
provisions of disqualification and removal were not there perhaps something
could be done but in face of clear provisions bearing on the subject it will be
transty of justice to cut short the statutory appointment of an incumbent B
[Para 17) [1051-B-D)

2.2. This is an objective statement of law that in changing world it is
difficult to foresee future contingencies but if such contingency has not been
anticipated then can a Court sit in to make it good. In the present case it is
true that the contingency which has arisen i.e. the incumbent who has been C
appointed being a statutory appointment or saddled with investigation for his
. past conduct. [Para 23) [1054-A-B)

2.3. The provisions of the statute have to be read as a whole and in its
context When language of the provision is plain and unambiguous the question
of supplying ca-sus omissus does not arise. The Court can interpret a law D
but cannot legislate. The lacunae cannot b~ cured by exercising the power
under Article 142 of the Constitution and the order of termination cannot be
upheld especially when such contingency has not been made a ground for
disqualification for holding the post [Para 26) [1055-C-E)

Standard Chartered Bank & Ors. v. Directorate of Enforcement & Ors., E
(2005) 4 sec 530, followed.

State ofKerala v. Mathai Verghese & Ors., (1986) 4 SCC 746, Union of
India & Anr. v. Deoki Nandan Aggarwal, (1992) Supp. 1 SCC 323; Padma
Sundara Rao (Dead) & Ors. v. State of T.N. & Ors., (2002) 3 SCC 533, and
MC. Mehta v. Kamal Nath & Ors., [2000) 6 SCC 213 and Velliappa Textiles, F
[2003) 11 sec 405, relied on.

Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union ofIndia & Anr., [1998) 4 SCC
409, Textile Labour Association & Anr. v. Official Liquidator & Anr., (2004)
9 SCC 741, and Secretary, Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting v. Gemini G
TV (P) Ltd & Ors., [2004) 5 SCC 714, held inapplicable.

3.1. The distinction between statutory appointment and pleasure~
appointment bas to be kept in mind. The pleasure appointments are such where
the incumbents are appointed at the pleasure of the President, like Governc,rs
etc. As against this, statutory appointments are made under the statute and H
1042 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A the service conditions of the incumbents are governed by the statute. They >- ~
are not pleasure appointments. Governor appointed under the Constitution is
purely pleasure appointment or appointment of such nature which the
incumbent holds at the pleasure of the President or the Governors as the case
may be. Such appointments may be cut short. [Para 181 [1051-E-GI

B 3.2. Every appointment made by the Central Government is in the name
of the President but by that it does not mean that all the appointments are
pleasure appointments de hors the Constitution or statutory rules bearing
on the subject. In the present case, the appointment made was of statutory
appointment and the service conditions of the Chairperson and Members have
C been laid down, likewise their removal has also been laid down on incurring
certain disqualifications. [Para 181 (1052-B-C]

Sukhdev Singh & Ors. v. Bhagatram Sardar Singh Raghuvanshi & Anr.
etc., (1975] 1 SCC 421 and State ofKera/av. Mathai Verghese & Ors., (1986)
4 sec 746, relied on
D
Union ofIndia & Anr. v. Tulsiram Patel etc., (198513 SCC 398, Satyavir
Singh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. etc., (19851 4 SCC 252, Gujarat Steel
Tubes Ltd. & Ors. v. Gujarat Steel Tubes Mazdoor Sabha & Ors., (19801 2
sec 593, held inapplicable.
E Seaford Court Estates Ltd. v. Asher, (1949) 2 All ER 155, referred to

4.1. The appointment of the respondent cannot be said to be purely an
appointment on deputation basis. Strictly speaking, it is not a deputation post
because the incumbent has been selected under the Act and he has not come
on deputation as such though loosely it can be said to be on deputation in the
F sense that since the incumbent holds his lien in the State of Uttar Pradesh
and the State of Uttar Pradesh has permitted him to join the post for a fixed
period of four years or till he attains the age of superannuation i.e. sixty years.
[Para 27) (1055-G-H)

4.2. Even after expiry of four years the respondent is left with some
G period of service. Therefore, formal permission was sought from the State of
U.P. to permit the incumbent to joint the post for a fixed term. Therefore, it is
almost like permission and not in strict terms of deputation but loosely it can 'y
be termed as deputation. This is not the situation when the period of deputation
can be cut short and the incumbent can be sent back to his parent department
H i.e. the State of U.P. unlike the officers of an all India service. This appointment
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.] 1043
is for a fixed tenure after due selection under the Act Therefore, this kind of A
deputation stands on an entirely different category. (Para 271 (1056-B-DI

Prasar Bharti & Ors. v. Amarjeet Singh & Ors., JT (2007) 3 SC 89,
Umapati Choudhary v. State of Bihar & Anr., [19991 4 SCC 659, Union of
India v. Agya Ram, [197711SCC130, JaiJai Ram & Ors. v. U. P. State Road
Transport Corporation, Lucknow & Ors., [19961 4 SCC 727, Election B
Commission ofIndia v. State Bank of India StaffAssociation Local Head Office
Unit, Patna & Ors., (19951 Supp. 2 SCC 13, and Union ofIndia through Govt.
of Pondicherry & Anr. v. V. Ramakrishnan & Ors., [20051 8 SCC 394.
distinguished.

CIVIL APPELLATE nJRISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 2676 of2007. c
From the Judgment and Order dated 27.7.2006 of the High Court of Delhi
at New Delhi in LP.A. Nos. 1206-1207/2006.

Vikas Singh, ASG, V. Mahana, Anitha Sharma and Sushma Suri for the D
Appellants.

_... Sunil Gupta, Sr. Adv., Yatish Mohan and, E.C. Vidya Sagar for the
Respondent.
I The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
E
A.K. MATHUR, J. I. Leave granted.

2. This appeal is directed against the order passed by the Division
Bench of the High Court of Delhi whereby the Division Bench of the High
Court has confirmed the order passed by learned Single Judge whereby
learned Single Judge has set aside the order passed by the Union of India F
dated 18. I 1.2005 purporting to terminate the deputation of the respondent as
Chairperson, National Council for Teacher Education ( for short, NCTE).

3. Brief facts which are necessary for disposal of this appeal are that
the respondent herein was informed on 31.12.2003 that he has been selected G
as Chairperson of the NCTE for a period of four years or till he attains the
age of 60 years, whichever is earlier. After this appointment the respondent
- -r herein was relieved by the Government of Uttar Pradesh on 21.1.2004 and he
assumed the charge of Chairperson, NCET on 22.1.2004. It was alleged that
the respondent while working as Director, State Council for Educational
Research and Training in the State ofUttar Pradesh, Lucknow an inquiry was H
1044 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A conducted by the State Vigilance Commission at the behest of Government
of Uttar Pradesh in respect of examination of200 I, in 2004. The State Vigilance
Commission submitted the report on 27.3.2005 and on the basis of that report,
a First Information Report was registered on 19.9.2005 implicating seven
persons including the respondent herein and a separate order was passed by
the State Government placing the respondent under suspension pending
B commencement of disciplinary proceeding. When this fact came to the notice
of the Union of India, it passed an order on 18.11.2005 tel1llinating the
deputation of the respondent as Chairperson, NCTE. This order was subject
matter of challenge in the writ petitioner filed by the respondent before the
Delhi High Court. In order to appreciate the controversy involved in the
C matter the impugned order dated 18.11.2005 is reproduced below:

"F.No.26-39/2005-EE-10
Government of India
Ministry of Human Resource Development Deparptrnent
D of Elementary Education & Literacy

November 18, 2005.

ORDER

The Central Government hereby tel1llinates the deputations of Dr.
E Shardindu as Chairperson, NCTE, appointed on 22.1.2004 vide order
No.61-4/ 2003- D(TE) EE- IO dated 15.12.2003 and prematurely repatriates
him to his parent cadre, with immediate effect.

Sd/-

F (PRERNA GULATI)
Director (EE)."

4. The respondent filed a writ petition challenging this order before
learned Single Judge that he was not on deputation, therefore, his tenure
could not be te!1llinated and he could not be repatriated back to the State of
G Uttar Pradesh. The principal submission of the respondent before the learned
Single Judge was that the respondent was appointed under sub-section (3)
of Section 4 of the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993 (hereinafter .
to be referred to as 'the Act') and the services of the respondent could only
be tel1llinated in te!1lls of Sections 5 & 6 of the Act. It was submitted that
H the respondent has not become disqualified under Section 5 of the Act,
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.) 1045
~ therefore, the Central Government could not remove a person under Section A
6 of the Act. The plea of the appellants before learned Single Judge was that
the respondent was on deputation, therefore, deputation period has been
terminated and he has been repatriated back to his parent Department as
Education Officer of the State Government. It was also submitted that the
appointment of the respondent was a pleasure appointment of the President
B
of India under Article 310 of the Constitution of India. The appointing authority
being the Central Government, therefore, as per General Clauses Act, the
appointing authority could terminate the services of an incumbent.
,{

5. Learned Single Judge after considering the matter took the view that
there was no question of invoking the pleasure doctrine in the present case c
under Article 310 of the Constitution of India and the respondent was not on
deputation, therefore, his services could not be terminated and he could not
be repatriated back to the State ofl Jttar Pradesh. It was also held that since
the incumbent was appointed under ;he Act of 1993 and he had not incurred
any of the disqualifications mentioned in the Act, therefore, his services D
could not be terminated. It was also held that as per the method of termination
of an incumbent as provided under the Act, his 3ervices could only be
? terminated in the manner as provided under the Act and none else. Learned
Single Judge allowed the writ petition and set aside the order passed by the
Union of India. Against the order passed by learned Single Judge of the High
E
Court, a writ appeal was filed by the appellants before the Division Bench of
the High Court which confirmed the order passed by the learned Single Judge,
by order dated 27.7.2006. Hence aggrieved against the impugned order dated
27.7.2006 passed by the Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi, the
present Special Leave Petition was filed by the appellants.
F
~ 6. We have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the
records. Mr. Vikas Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General of India submitted
that the appointing authority in the present case is the Union of India and
it is a pleasure appointment. Therefore, under Article 310 of the Constitution
of India, the President can terminate the services of an incumbent. Therefore, G
they need not to follow the procedure laid down under Sections 5 & 6 of the
Act. On the question of pleasure doctrine, learned ASG invited our attention
to the following decisions of this Court.
(i) 11985] 3 sec 398
Union of India & Anr. v. Tulsiram Patel etc. H
1046 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A (ii) [I 985] 4 sec 252
Satyavir Singh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. etc.

(ili) [ 1980] 2 sec 593
Gujarat Steel Tubes Ltd & Ors. v. Gujarat Steel Tubes Mazdoor
Sabha & Ors.
B
7. It was next submitted that when the Act is silent, then the vacuum
can be filled up by the Court. It was submitted that the present contingency
was never visualized by draftsmen that if the incumbent is charge-sheeted for
his past conduct then what is the remedy in that contingency. Therefore,
learned counsel submitted that the lacunae be filled up by the Court and in
C that connection learned counsel for the appellants invited our attention to a
decision in Seaford Court Estates Ltd. v. Asher, (1949) 2 All ER 155.

8. However, our attention was also invited to a decision of this Court
in Standard Chartered Bank & Ors. v. Directorate of Enforcement & Ors.,
D (2005] 4 sec 530 wherein this ratio of English Court has not been followed
by the Constitution Bench of this Court.

9. Learned counsel submitted that the respondent was in the seryice of
State of Uttar Pradesh and he was selected under the Act of 1993, he was
E an appointee of the State of Uttar Pradesh and he has a lien in the State of
Uttar Pradesh, therefore, even if he has not been sent on deputation by the
State of Uttar Pradesh, stil! he would be deemed to be on deputation and in
that connection, learned counsel invited our attention to the following decisions
of this Court.
(i) JT (2007] 3 SC 89
F
Prasar Bharti & Ors. v. Amarjeet Singh & Ors.,

(it) [2004 J 5 sec 714
Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting v. Gemini TV
(P) Ltd. & Ors.,

G (iii) (1977] I sec 130
Union of India v. Agya Ram

(iv) (1995] Supp. 2 sec 13
Election Commission of India v. State Bank of India Staff
Association, Local Head Office, Unit Patna & Ors. etc.
H
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.) 1047
~

"'\ (v) (I996J 4sec121 A
Jai Jai Ram & Ors. v. U.P. State Road Transport Corporation,
Lucknow & Anr..

(vi) [20051 8 sec 394
Union of India through Government of Pondicherry & Anr. v.
V. Ramakrishnan & Ors., B

I0. In the alternative, Mr. Singh submitted that this Court should invoke
;
,, Article 142 of the Constitution as the contingency which has happened in the
present case was never contemplated in the Act. Therefore, it will not be
proper to keep the incumbent like the present one who is facing disciplinary c
proceeding in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, this Court should invoke
its inherent jurisdiction under Article 142 to do complete justice to the parties
in the present case and in support of 1iis submission has invited our attention
to the following decisions of this Court.
D
(i) [I998J 4 sec 409
Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India & Ors.,
t
(ii) [2004] 9 sec 741
Textile Labour Association & Anr. v. Official Liquidator & Anr.,

(iii) [2000] 6 sec 213. E
MC. Mehta v. Kamal Nath & Ors..

11. As against this, learned senior counsel for the respondent, Mr. Sunil
Gupta submitted that since the appointment of the respondent was a statutory
appointment, the termination of the appointment of the respondent could only F
y
be done in the manner provided under the Act and in support of this contention,
invited our attention to the following decisions of this Court.

(i) [I975J I sec 421
Sukhdev Singh & Ors. v. Bhagat Ram Sardar Singh Raghuvanshi G
t & Anr. etc.

-r- (ii) [1986] 4 sec 746
State of Kera/a v. Mathai Verghese & Ors.,

H
1048 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A 12. Learned senior counsel for the respondent submitted that there is
no question of filling up the lacunae in the present case as the Act is very
clear and therefore, the termination could only be done in the manner as
provided under the Act i.e. Section 6 of the Act. Lacunae could only be filled
in where it is found that the Act does not provide any method or the Act
B is silent but in the present case, the Act is very clear and there is no lacunae
to be filled up and in support of his contention learned counsel invited our
attention to the following decisions of this Act.

<O [I 986] 4 sec 746
State of Kera/a v. Mathai Verghese & Ors.,
c
(ii) [1992] Supp. I sec 323
Union of India & Anr. v. Deoki Nandan Aggarwal,
(ill) [2002J 3 sec 533.
Padma Sundara Rao (Dead) & Ors. v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors.,
D
13. Learned senior counsel also filed an article written by him in Journal
Section of[l988] 2 SCC.

14. Before we proceed to examine the rival contention of the parties, it
E will be proper to refer to necessary provisions bearing on the subject i.e. the
National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993 and the Rules framed there
under, known as the National Council for Teacher Education Rules, 1997. This
Act of 1993 was promulgated by the Parliament to provide for establishment
of National Council for Teacher Education with a view to achieving planned
F and co-ordinated development of the teacher education system throughout
the country, the regulation and proper maintenance of norms and standards
in the teacher education system and for matters connected therewith. Section
2 (b) defines "Chairperson which reads as under :

" 2. (b) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Council
G appointed under clause (a) of sub-section (4) of section 3."

15. Section 4 lays down the terms of office and conditions of service
of Members. Section 4 reads as under :

" 4. (I) The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and the Member-
H
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.] 1049

Secretary shall hoJd office on a full-time basis. A
(2) The term of office of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson
and the Member- Secretary shall be four years, or till they complete
the age of sixty years, whichever is earlier.

(3) The conditions of service of the Chairperson, the Vice- B
Chairperson and the Member-Secretary shall be such as may be
prescribed.

(4) The term of office of Members [other than the Members
specified in clauses (a) to (1) and clauses (n) and (o) of sub-section
(4) of section 3) shall be two years or till fresh appointments are made, C
whichever is later, and other conditions of service of such Members
shall be such as may be prescribed.

(5) If a casual vacancy occurs in the office of Chairperson, whether
by reason of death, resignation or inability to discharge the functions
of a Chairperson owing to illness or other incapacity, the Vice- D
Chairperson holding office as such for the time being, shall act as the
Chairperson and shall, unless any other person is appointed earlier as
Chairperson, hold office of the Chairperson for the remainder of the
term of office of the person in whose place the said person is to so
act.
E
(6) If a casual vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chairperson
or any other Member, whether by reason of death, resignation or
inability to discharge his functions owing to illness or other incapacity,
such vacancy shall be filled up by making fresh appointment and the
person so appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term of F
the office of the person in whose place such person is so appointed.

(7) The Chairperson shall, in addition to presiding over the meetings
of the Council, exercise and discharge such powers and duties of the
Council as may be delegated to him by the Council and such other
powers and duties as may be prescribed.
G
(8) The Vice-Chairperson shall perform such functions as may be
assigned to him by the Chairperson from time to time."

16. Section 5 deals with disqualification for office of Members. Section
6 lays down the vacation of office of Member. We are not concerned with rest
of the provisions of the Act as it deals with various functions and other H
1050 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 6 S.C.R.

A connected matters of education. In purported exercise of the powers under
Section 31 of the Act the Central Government framed the Rules known as
National Council for Teacher Education Rules, 1997 (hereinafter to be referred
to as ' the Rules'). Rule 5 of the Rules lays down the conditions of service
of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson and the Member-Secretary, like their
B pay, dearness allowance, house rent allowanci! and city compensatory allowance
and other terminal benefits. Rule 6 deals with traveling and daily allowances
to Members. Rule 7 deals with the powers and duties of the Chairperson.
Therefore, from the scheme of the Act and the Rules it is apparent that the
appointment of the Chairperson of the NCTE is a tenure post for a period of
four years or any person attaining the age of sixty years whichever is earlier.
C Section 5 deals with disqualification and none of the disqualifications
mentioned in that section has been incurred by the respondent. Neither he
has been convicted nor sentenced to imprisonment for an office which in the
opinion of the Central Government, involves moral turpitude, nor has he been
un-discharged insolvent, nor was of unsound mind and has been removed or
dismissed from the service of the Government or a body corporate owned or
D controlled by the Government, and has in the opinion of the Central Government
such financial or other interest in the Council as is likely to affect prejudicially
the discharge by him of his functions as a Member nor has committed any
financial irregularity white working as Chairperson. Therefore, the respondent
has not incurred any of the disqualifications as mentioned above. Section 6
E deals with vacation of office of Member. Section 6 lays down that the Central
Government can remove if any person has incurred any of the disqualifications
as mentioned in Section 5. Proviso to Section 6 (a) further clarifies that the
incumbent shall be removed on the ground that he has become subject to the
disqualification mentioned in clause (e) of that section, unless he has been
given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter or refuses to act
F or becomes incapable of acting or without obtaining leave of absence from
the Council, absent from three consecutive meetings of the Council or in the
opinion of the Central Government has abused his position as to render his
continuance in office detrimental to the public interest. Therefore, under these
contingencies if a member is to be removed, then notice is required to be
G given to the incumbent. On the basis of the analysis of Sections 5 & 6 it is
more than clear that the respondent has not incurred any of these
disqualifications.

17. Now, the position that emer_ges is that the respondent was appointed
for a fixed tenure of four years or till he attains the age of sixty years
H whichever is earlier under Section 4 of the Act and while discharging his
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.) 1051
duties he did not incur any of the disqualifications as mentioned in Sections A
5 & 6. Therefore, so far as this statutory appointment is concerned, it cannot
be terminated because he had not incurred any of the disqualifications. But
while he was working in the State of Uttar Pradesh an inquiry was conducted
in 2004 for an incident said to have happened in 200 I and in that a vigilance
report was submitted before the State of Uttar Pradesh and on that basis the
respondent was placed under suspension and a disciplinary proceeding was B
also initiated against the respondent and others by the State of U.P. None of
these acts comes within the purview of Sections 4,5 & 6. If there was any
provision that for his previous misconduct his tenure could be cut short, then
it is understandable that the Central Government could have exercised their
powers. But in absence of such provision can a statutory appointment be cut C
short, specially when the incumbent has not incurred any disqualifications
under the Act. It may appear to be embarrassing but nonetheless we can not
ignore the statutory provisions. If the provisions of disqualification and
removal were not there perhaps something could be done but in face of clear
provisions bearing on the subject it will be travesty of justice to cut short
the statutory appointment of an incumbent. D
18. Learned Additional Solicitor General tried to support his submission
on pleasure doctrine under Article 310 of the Constitution and submitted that
the respondent has been appointed by the Central Government and therefore,
it is the pleasure of the President to cut short his appointment. In this
connection, learned ASG invited our attention to a decision of this Court in E
Union of India & Anr. v. Tulsiram Patel etc., [1985] 3 SCC 398 especially to
paragraphs 34 and 44. The distinction between statutory appointment and
pleasure appointment has to be kept in mind. The pleasure appointments are
such where the incumbents are appointed at the pleasure of the President, like
Governors etc. As against this, statutory appointments are made under the F
statute and the service conditions of the incumbents are governed by the
statute. They are not pleasure appointments. Governor appointed under the
Constitution is purely pleasure appointment or appointment of such nature
which the incumbent holds at the pleasure of the President or the Governors
as the case may be. Such appointments may be cut short. Their Lordships
in the aforesaid case have dealt with the distinction between the pleasure G
appointment and appointment under the civil services. Their Lordships held
that in India the doctrine of pleasure appointment received Constitutional
sanction under Article 310 but unlike in United Kingdom in India it is not
subject to any law made by the Parliament but is subject to only whatever
expressly provided by the Constitution. Therefore, the distinction has to be H
1052 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A borne in mind, the doctrine of pleasure appointment as it existed in feudal set ...
up and in the democratic set up. Their Lordships discussed the doctrine of '
pleasure appointment in U.K. where the incumbent was appointed at the
pleasure of the King but in India this concept has been adopted under Article
310 of the Constitution and how it is to be exercised has also been laid down
in the Constitution. Therefore, the concept of pleasure doctrine cannot be
B invoked in the present case. Every appointment made by the Central
Government is in the name of the President but by that it does not mean that
all the appointments are pleasure appointments de hors the Constitution or
statutory rules bear!ng on the subject. In the present case, the appointment
made was of statutory appointment and the service conditions of the 'r

c Chairperson and Members have been laid down, likewise their removal has
also been laid down on incurring certain disqualifications. Therefore, the
submissions of learned Addi. Solicitor General has no legs to stand.

19. In this connection, learned Addi. Solicitor General also invited our
attention to a decision of this Court in Satyavir Singh & Ors. v. Union of
D India & Ors. etc., [1985] 4 SCC 252. The same view has been reiterated by
their Lordships in this case also where a distinction made in Tulsiram Patel's
case (supra) has been summarized that the doctrine of pleasure appointment
made in United Kingdom is subject to what may be expressly provided
otherwise by legislation. Their Lordships have also reiterated the pleasure
,..
appointment made in India has been incorporated under Article 310 of the
E Constitution.

20. In this connection, our attention was also invited to a decision of
this Court in Gujarat Steel Tubes Ltd. & Ors. v. Gujarat Steel Tubes Mazdoor
Sabha & Ors., [1980] 2 SCC 593. This was a case where the termination of
the workmen was involved and in that context, their Lordships observed that
F in case the termination is found to be bad in law then on reinstatement the
incumbent is entitled to full back wages. This case does not provide any '<
assistance.
21. As against this, learned senior counsel for the respondent, Mr.Gupta
has strenuously urged before us that in case of statutory appointment there
G is no scope to cut short except to terminate the services of the incumbent in
the manner provided under the Act. In this connection, our attention was
invited to a decision of this Court in Sukhdev Singh & Ors. v. Bhagatram
Sardar Singh Raghuvanshi & Anr. etc., [1975] 1 SCC 421 wherein the y-
Constitution Bench held that the termina,tion of service of an incumbent by
H
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.] 1053
the Corporation created by statute without complying with the regulations A
framed by the Corporation cannot be made. The reason was that the termination
contravened the provisions contained in the Regulations. In short, when the
appointment is made, the service conditions are laid down. The termination
of such appointment could only be made in the manner provided in the
statute and by no other way. Once the regulations have been framed and B
detailed procedure laid down therein, then in that case if the services of an
incumbent are required to be terminated then that can only be done in the
manner provided and none else. Similar view has been taken in the case of
State ofKera/a'" Mathai Verghese & Ors., (1986] 4 SCC 746. Therefore, in
J i this background, we are of opinion that the submission of learned Additional
Solicitor General cannot be sustained. C
22. Learned Addi. Solicitor General; next submitted that whenever the
Act is silent in that contingency, this Court can fill the vacuum by interpreting
the provision in such a manner that that vacuum can be filled up by order
of the Court. In that connection, learned Addi. Solicitor General heavily relied
on a decision in Seaford Court Estates Ltd v. Asher, (1949) 2 All ER 155. In D
that context their Lordships observed as follows :

" Whenever a statute comes up for consideration it must be
remembered that it is not within human powers to foresee the manifold
sets of facts which may arise, and, even if it were, it is not possible
to provide for them in terms free from all ambiguity. The English E
language is not an instrument of mathematical precision. Our literature
would be much the poorer if it were. This is where the draftsmen of
Acts of Parliament have often been unfairly criticized. A judge,
believing himself to be fettered by the supposed rule that he must
look to the language and nothing else, laments that the draftsmen F
have not provided for this or that, or have been guilty of some or
other ambiguity. It would certainly save the judges trouble if Acts of
Parliament were drafted with divine prescience and perfect clarity. In
the absence of it, when a defect appears a judge cannot simply fold
his hands and blame the draftsman. He must set to work on the
constructive task of finding the intention of Parliament, and he must G
do this not only from the language of the statute, but also from a
consideration of the social conditions which gave rise to it and of the
mischief which it was passed to remedy, and then he must supplement
the written word so as to give "force and life" to the intention of the
legislature." H
1054 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A 23. This is an objective statement of law that in changing world it is ). -
difficult to foresee future contingencies but if such contingency has not been
anticipated then can a Court sit in to make it good. In the present case it is
true that the contingency which has arisen i.e. the incumbent who has been
appointed being a statutory appointment or saddled with investigation for his
B past conduct. Can this be made a good ground for cutting short his tenure?

24. Our attention was also invited to a decision of this Court in Standard
Chartered Bank & Ors. v. Directorate of Enforcement & Ors., [2005] 4 SCC
530. In this case the question was whether any company or corporation being
a juristic entity be prosecuted for offence for which mandatory imprisonment r'
C and fine is provided. The majority took the view overruling the earlier judgment
in Velliappa Textiles [2003] I l SCC 405 that the company can be prosecuted
and sentence of fine imposed and may not be sent for imprisonment. The
question was whether this should be left for the Legislature to correct it or
Court should step in and their Lordships steered of clear the controversy by
overruling the earlier judgment in Vellappa Textiles that the company can be
D prosecuted and sentence of fine can be imposed. In that case, their Lordships
observed as follows :

" Hence it is not open to the court remedy an irretrievable legislative
error by resort to the theory of presumed intention of the legislature.
We do not subscribe to the view of Denning, L.J., that "judicial
E heroics" were warranted to cope with the difficulties arising in statutory
interpretation. If by upholding Veliappa it would be impossible to
prosecute a number of offenders in several statutes where strict liability
has been imposed by the statute, then so be it. Judicial function is
limited to finding solutions within specified parameters. Anything
F more than that would be "judicial heroics" and "naked usurpation of
legislative function". "

25. Therefore, the Constitution Bench of this Court has not followed the
judicial dictum laid down by Lord Denning, J. in Seaford Court Estates, Ltd.
(supra). Mr.Gupta, learned Senior Counsel for the respondent submitted that
G the mandate of legislature is very clear as contained in Section 6. Therefore,
there is no lacunae left in the statute. In support of his submission, Mr.Gupta
invited our attention to a decision of this Court in Mathai Verghese & Ors.
(supra). Their Lordships held that the Court can merely interpret a provision
so as to make explicit the intention of the legislature. It cannot rewrite, recast
or redesign the provisions since the power to legislate has not been conferred
H
U.0.l. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.) 1055
on the court. Their Lordships further observed that the Court should make A
a purposeful interpretation so as to 'effectuate' the intention of the legislature
and not a purposeless one in order to 'defeat' the intention of the legislators
wholly or in part. Our attention was also invited to a decision of this Court
in Union ofIndia & Anr. v. Deoki Nandan Aggarwal, (1992] Supp. I SCC 323.
In this case, their Lordships have observed that there is a limited scope of
judicial activism and in exercise of judicial activism the Court cannot adopt B
or resort to legislative function and the Court cannot supply the omission of
the statute.

,Ji' 26. Our attention was also invited to a decision of this Court in Padma
Sundara Rao (Dead) & Ors. v. State ofT.N. & Ors., (2002] 3 SCC 533. Their C
Lordships held that casus omissus cannot be supplied by the Court. The
provisions of the statute have to be read as a whole and in its context. When
language of the provision is plain and unambiguous the question of supplying
casus omissus does not arise. The Court can interpret a law but cannot
legislate. Therefore, the submission of learned Addi. Solicitor General that
sine~ the contingency which has arisen in the present case was not foreseen D
by the draftsmen or by the Parliament, therefore, the casus omissus may be
supplied by this Court i.e. since the incumbent has been facing the charge,
his tenure should be cut short. We regret we cannot cure the lacunae by
exercising the power under Article 142 of the Constitution and uphold the
order of termination especially when such contingency has not been made a E
ground for disqualification for holding the post. Therefore, the submission of
learned Addi. Solicitor General cannot be accepted.

27. Learned Addi. Solicitor General next submitted that the appointment
of the respondent was purely on deputation basis and since the deputation
period has been terminated and the appointing authority has full right to F
terminate his deputation. Therefore, the respondent can be sent back to his
parent department i.e. the State of Uttar Pradesh. We regret to say that this
appointment of the respondent cannot be said to be purely an appointment
on deputation basis. Strictly speaking, it is not a deputation post because the
incumbent has been selected under the Act and he has not come on deputation
as such though loosely it can be said to be on deputation in the sense that G
since the incumbent holds his lien in the State of Uttar Pradesh and the State
of Uttar Pradesh has permitted him to join the post for a fixed period of four
years or till he attains the age of superannuation i.e. sixty years. Since the
respondent holds a lien in the State of U.P. therefore, to some extent he can
be said to be on deputation but it is not in the sense of deputation as in the H
..
1056 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 6 S.C.R.

A case of an all India Service person who is sent on deputation to the Central
Government or to other organization. It is an independent selection under the
statute and the State ofU.P. has permitted the respondent to join his assignment
as he holds a lien and after completion of the period of four years he will come
back to the State till he attains the age of superannuation. If the incumbent
was to retire within the period of four years perhaps it would not have been
B necessary to have moved the State of U.P. for its permission to join this
assignment. Even after expiry of four years the respondent is left with some
period of service. Therefore, formal permission was sought from the State of
U.P. to permit the incumbent to join the post for a fixed term. Therefore, it is
the permission by the State ofU.P. to join the post and in case the incumbent Jc'·
c comes back he can join the service under the State of U.P .. Therefore, it is
almost like a permission and not in strict terms of deputation but loosely it
can be termed as deputation. This is not the situation when the period of
deputation can be cut short and the incumbent can be sent back to his parent
department i.e. the State ofU.P. unlike the officers of an all India service. This
appointment is for a fixed tenure after due selection under the Act. Therefore,
D this kind of deputation stands on an entirely different category. However,
learned Addi. Solicitor General tried to justify that a person who is sent on
deputation has no right to continue in the post and his period of deputation
can be cut short and he may be repatriated back to his parent department. ~

28. In this connection, our attention was invited to a decision of this
E
Court in Prasar Bharti & Ors. v. Amarjeet Singh & Ors., JT (2007) 3 SC 89.
This is entirely a different case. In this case when the Prasar Bharati
(Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990 was incorporated, certain
employees who were working in the All India Radio their services were taken
in the Corporation . In that context, their Lordships made a distinction on
F deputation and transfer. Deputation only connotes service outside the cadre
or outside the parent department in which an employee is serving. Therefore,
so far as this case is concerned, those persons who were put on deputation "
with the Prasar Bharati, in that context their Lordships held that those persons
will be treated on deputation and their service conditions will be governed
by the principle of deputation. Their Lordships observed as follows :
G
" We do not find that the action taken by the appellants herein
in transferring the respondents is in any way arbitrary or irrational."
'r ,
Therefore, this case does not provide any useful assistance to us.

H 29. Our attention was invited to a decision of this Court in the case of
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU [A.K. MATHUR, J.) 1057
Umapati Choudhary v. State of Bihar & Anr., [1999] 4 SCC 659. In this case, A
this Court held that an incumbent who is on deputation, can be repatriated
back to his parent department and such order cannot be said to be bad.

30. Our attention was invited to a decision of this Court in Union of
India v. Agya Ram, [1977] I SCC 130. In this case an employee under the State
of Government was sent on deputation to the Office of Regional Settlement B
Officer and he was repatriated back to his parent substantive post without
any notice. Their Lordships held that it did not amount to termination. This
case is distinguishing on its facts i.e. a person sent on deputation to another
department therefore, the deputationist has no right and he can always be
repatriated to his parent department. C
31. Learned Addi. Solicitor General next invited our attention to a decision
of this Court in Jai Jai Ram & Ors. v. UP. State Road Transport Corporation,
Lucknow & Ors., [1996] 4 SCC 727. In that case their Lordships observed that
the incumbents were on deputation to foreign service and during the period
of deputation to the U.P. State Road Transport Corporation their services D
were terminated. In that context, their Lordships held that since they were
Government servants and were on deputation with the Corporation, the U.P.
Fundamental Rules 9 (7-B) would be applicable. Therefore, they will be deemed
to be the Government servants irrespective of the fact that they were on
deputation with the Corporation. This case has no relevance so far as the
present controversy is concerned. E

32. Our attention was invited to a decision of this Court in Election
Commission of India v. State Bank of India Staff Association Local Head
Office, Unit Patna & Ors., [1995] Supp. 2 SCC 13. This was a case where the
District Election Officer had requisitioned the services of the employees of the F
State Bank oflndia for conducting election. Their Lordships after interpreting
clause (6) of Article 324 of the Constitution held that the order of the District
Election Officer requisitioning the services of the employees of the State Bank
of India for election duty is not sustainable and accordingly quashed the
same. This case is of no relevance so far as the present controversy is
concerned. G
33. Our attention was also invited to a decision of this Court in Union
' -y of India through Govt. of Pondicherry & Anr. v. V. Ramakrishnan & Ors.,
[2005] 8 SCC 394. In this case an incumbent was on deputation and he was
repatriated back from his deputation to his parent department. Their Lordships
H
1058 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 6 S.C.R.

A observed that if the incumbent is on deputation he can always be sent back J,. '
to his parent department and there is no malice. Therefore, this case is of no
assistance so far as the present controversy is concerned.

34. Lastly, learned Additional Solicitor General submitted that Article
142 of the Constitution should be exercised in the present case as there is
B no such provision for the contingency which has arisen in the matter and the
termination of the respondent should be upheld. In this connection, our
attention was invited to a decision of this Court in Supreme Court Bar
Association v. Union of India & Anr., [1998] 4 SCC 409. This was a case
where their Lordships exercised the inherent power under Article 142 of the
C Constitution. The Constitution Bench held that this Court in exercise of power
under Article 142 of the Constitution cannot ignore any substantive statutory
provision dealing with the subject. It is a residuary power, supplementary and
complementary to the powers specifically conferred on the Supreme Court by
statutes in order to do complete justice between the parties wherever it is just
and equitable to do so. It is only intended to prevent any obstruction to the
D stream of justice. None of such contingencies exists in the present case so
as to invoke the power under Article 142 of the Constitution. This case stands
reaffmned in Textile Labour Association & Anr. v. Official Liquidator & Anr.,
[2004] 9 sec 741.

35. Our attention was invited to a decision of this Court in MC.Mehta
E v. Kamal Nath & Ors., [2000] 6 SCC 213. In this case, their Lordships held
that power under Article 142 of the Constitution cannot be exercised by the
Supreme Court where issue can be settled only through substantive provisions
of the statute. Therefore, there is no occasion for us to exercise power under
Article 142 of the Constitution.
F
36. Learned Addi. Solicitor General invited our attention to a decision
y
of this Court in Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting v.
Gemini TV (P) Ltd & Ors., [2004] 5 SCC 714. This was a case in which
Election Commission of India was directed to suggest the modalities as
regards the advertisements to be telecast on electronic media by cable operators
G and television channels. This was after reviewing the provisions of the
Representation of People Act, 1951; Cable Television Networks (Regulation)
Act, 1995 and Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994; this Court issued
certain directions under Article 142 of the Constitution. This case has hardly
any relevance so far as the present case is concerned.

H
U.0.1. v. SHARDINDU (A.K. MATHUR, J.] 1059
37. As a result of our above discussion, we are of opinion that the view A
taken by the High Court of Delhi is correct and there is no ground to interfere
with the same. Consequently, the appeal is dismissed. The respondent be
restored back in his post and he shall be paid all his dues whkh are payable
to him in accordance with law. There would be no order as to costs,

vs. Appeal dismissed. B

-I
) '