JAGTARSINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The points in controversy in all these appeals have now been considerably narrowed down in view of the decision of this court in Jagtar Singh v. State of Punjab

(2.) The respondents filed Writ Petition in the High court, challenging the ranks given to them in the integration lists finalised by the State government. In all the Writ Petition including Civil Writ 3121 of 1970 the High court has quashed in toto the integration lists, dated 11/03/1966 and m 20/03/1970. The order of the High court against Civil Writ 3121 of 1970 was dealt with by us in Civil 1039 of 1971. By our judgment, we have set aside the order of the High court, quashing there two lists. The petition now is that the officers in the State are now governed by the two lists, dated 11/03/1966 and Ma 20/03/1970; and it is only on the basis of the ranks given to the officers therein that their further claims for promotions will have to be considered.

(3.) Mr. Agarwala, learned Counsel for the contesting respondents, pointed out that before the High court, his clients had made a grievance that their ranks have not been properly shown in those lists and that the representations made by them have not been appropriately considered and dealt with by the authorities concerned. The learned Counsel further pointed out that as the High court quashed the two lists, it did not think it necessary to consider the individual grievances placed before it by the respective officers. In view of these circumstances, Mr. Agarwala pointed out that this court will have to give directions to the High court to consider the individual grievances placed before it by the respective officers. In view of these circumstances, Mr. Agarwala pointed out that this court will have to give directions to the High court to consider the grievances of the respective officers, that proper ranking has not been given to them in the two lists. Normally, we would have acceded to a request like that, when the High court has not considered the individual grievances of the officers. But the position has become completely changed in view of the fact that we have finally upheld the validity of the integration lists published on March II, 1966 and M 20/03/1970. Those lists were finalised after giving all officers an opportunity to make representations. If, so, it follows that there is no necessity for giving a direction for "the individual grievances, if any, of the officers being considered. It may be that the acceptance of the finality ofthose lists by this court may result in some hardship in individual cases; but that is not a circumstance which should weigh with this. court, when once the finality of the two lists has been accepted. That means that the ranking given to the officers by the State in the said two lists has become final.