At The Earliest

At the earliest, where clause (a) of Rule 50(5) the Triple Benefit Scheme Rules (for employees of aided educational institutions of Karnataka) requiring the employee to give 3 months' notice in writing and clause (h) of Rule 50(5) requiring the employee to seek approval for curtailment of the notice period, the letter asking for permission to take voluntary retirement 'at the earliest' meant after period of 3 months, K.L.E. Society v. Dr. R.R. Patil, (2002) 5 SCC 278 (283).