Tejinder Singh Dhindsa, J.@mdashThe petitioners are working on the post of Science Masters in the Department of Education, State of Punjab. They were appointed in pursuance to a regular selection process, result of which was declared in the year 1996. All the petitioners were issued appointment letters on 24.1.1997 and had been given 30 days joining time. In pursuance thereof the petitioners joined on the post between the dates from 8.2.1997 to 22.2.1997. Grievance of the petitioners is that their juniors i.e. private respondents no. 5 to 9 have been promoted to the higher post of Lecturer, whereas the petitioners have been denied their vested right for consideration for promotion to the higher post only on account of the fixation of a cut off date for consideration for purposes of promotion i.e. 5.2.1997. The submission raised is that the date of appointment of the petitioners was prior to such cut off date and merely on account of the petitioners having joined later in point of time but within the stipulated joining time granted, they could not have been denied consideration for promotion to the higher post.
2. Counsel further submits that even the representations (Annexures P-8 to P-11) already stand submitted before the respondent-authorities but no decision has been taken thereon till date.
3. In the light of the averments made in the petition, I deem it appropriate to dispose of the present petition with direction to the respondent-authorities to consider the claim of the petitioners and decide the representations (Annexure P-8 to P-11) strictly in accordance with law and by passing a speaking order within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. Petition disposed of.
