A.S. ELIAS Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) AS many as seven Jr. Manipur Civil Service ( Sr. Grade) officers are challenging the order dated 20.2.2010, issued by the department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Government of Manipur, promoting 14 officers from the same cadre to the post of Jr. MCS ( Selection Grade). Since the impugned notification is one and the same in all the aforesaid writ petitions, these are being disposed of by this common judgment. This judgment will also dispose of the connected Misc. application.

(2.) HEARD Mr. HS Paonam, learned Sr. Adocate, Mr. A. Mohendro, Mr. H. Maipaksana and Mr. S. Gunabanta, learned Advocates for the petitioners and Mr. Th. Ibohal learned Sr. Govt. Advocate for the State, , Mr. I Lalitkumra, learned Sr. Advocate for the MPSC, Mr. H.Debendra, learned Govt. Advocate, Mr. N. Ibotombi, learned Sr. Advocate, Mr. A. Mommel, Mr. M. Roshini Piba and Mr. I. Rojendra, learned Advocates for the private respondents.

(3.) THE appointment and promotion of the Junior MCS Officers from Sr. Grade to Selection Grade in two different Grades is governed by " THE Junior Manipur Civil Services Rules, 2007". Rule 27 has laid down the constitution of Selection Committees for promotion to the rank of Sr. Grade and Selection Grade, eligibility of the candidates and other aspects. Apparently, the Selection Committees for Sr. Grade and Selection Grade are different. THE Selection Committee for Selection Grade does not involve MPSC, whereas, for the Selection Grade, the Committee includes Chairman or Member of the MPSC. Promotion from Sr. Grade to the Selection Grade is to be made by the Selection Committee on merit with regard to the seniority basis.