D STEPHEN JOSEPH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) Heard learned counsel for the parties. The short question that arises for decision in this case is whether for promotion to the post of Assistant Engineer in the 50% promotion quota reserved for the person possessing degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognised University or an equivalent with three years regular service in the grade of Junior Engineers in the Electricity Department, Government of Pondicherry, three years experience as Junior Engineer in the grade is to be counted from the date of acquisition of the degree in Electrical Engineering or the length of service in the grade of Junior Engineer is to be reckoned if the incumbent at the time of promotion to the 50% quota also possesses degree in Electrical Engineering.

(3.) The Central Administrative Tribunal, Madras Bench by the impugned order has held that the respondents who are holding the post of Junior Engineers and have three years regular service in the grade and also possess degree in Electrical Engineering will be entitled to get such promotion to 50% reserved quota and their experience of three years is not to be reckoned from the date of acquisition of the degree in Electrical Engineering. Such decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal is being impugned in this case.