RAM MURTI BANSAL Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Present writ petition has been filed seeking a writ of Mandamus to Respondent No. 2 to consider the Petitioner for promotion from E-4 to E-5 level w.e.f. 1/1/1999, along with all consequential benefits.

(2.) Preliminary objection has been raised on behalf of the Respondents to the maintainability of the writ petition on the ground that it is barred by delay and laches, as a period of nearly 21 years has elapsed from 1999, when allegedly the cause of action arose in favour of the Petitioner.

(3.) Petitioner was appointed as Administrative Officer (Vigilance) in ONGC on 19/2/1983 at E-1 level and was subsequently promoted on 1/1/1987, 1/1/1992 and 1/1/1996 to E-2, E-3 and E-4 levels, respectively. The grievance of the Petitioner is that he was entitled to promotion to the E-5 level w.e.f. 1/1/1999 and despite being eligible, experienced and meritorious, his junior was given promotion while he was deprived of the same.