Appointment to higher category not to be considered if he had been on leave for three or four years or more continuously.

42. Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 41 and 43, a member of a service who had been on leave for a period of three years continuously for any reason except higher studies or for a period of four years continuously for higher studies, shall not be considered for appointment to a higher category either by promotion or by recruitment by transfer unless he has completed service for a period of one year from the date on which he joins duty on return from leave.