M.L.Joseph Francis vs Sri.Thomas.P.Joseph on 20 July, 2007
As held by the
Apex Court in Chandra Gupta v. Secretary, Government of India (1995) 1
SCC 23), where the promotion is to be ordered on the basis of merit, the
incumbent cannot get automatic promotion on expunging the adverse remarks.
In the result, the Judgment of the learned Single Judge, quashing the
retrospectivity given to the promotion of the appellant and the third respondent
herein in upheld. But, the direction given by the learned Single Judge to the
High Court to issue fresh proceedings in the place of Ext.P6, granting
promotion to the appellant and the 3rd respondent as Super-time Scale District
Judges, prospectively from 09.11.2005 is vacated and the High Court is given
liberty to re-evaluate the merits of the appellant and the third respondent,
comparing the same with the merit of others in the field of choice and pass
WA NOS.715/07 & connected cases 40
fresh orders as to with effect from which date, they can be given promotion.
Needless to say, the promotion of the writ petitioners have become final long
ago. The only modification permissible is the date of effect of their promotion
and that too, for giving retrospective effect to the promotion of the appellant
and the third respondent, if they are found eligible for promotion with
retrospective effect, on evaluation of their confidential reports and comparing
the same with that of the writ petitioners and others in the field of choice. Until
such exercise is completed, the writ petitioners shall be treated as seniors to
the appellant and the third respondent herein in the super time scale post.