JUDGMENT

R.M. Lodha, J.-The appellant -a judicial officer -having not been promoted in the substantive vacancy to Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service (for short, `UPHJS') and, as a result of which, was reverted as Civil Judge (Senior Division) is in appeal, by special leave.

2. The appellant, after due selection, joined judicial service in Uttar Pradesh as Munsiff on May 16, 1977 and was confirmed as such on August 30, 1982. He became Additional Civil Judge on January 4, 1986 and got selection grade of Rs. 3700 -5000 with effect from April 1, 1990. He then became Civil Judge (Senior Division).

3. The Allahabad High Court, on the administrative side, in its full court meeting held on November 18, 1995, approved promotion of the appellant in officiating capacity under Rule 22(3) of Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1975 (for short, `1975 Rules'). Pursuant to the above decision taken by the full court, a notification was issued on June 7, 1996 promoting and posting the appellant as Additional District and Sessions Judge, Lalitpur.

4. While the appellant was posted as Additional District and Sessions Judge, Lalitpur, Shri Mukteshwar Prasad happened to be District Judge, La