Pradeep Nandrajog, J.

1. The factual backdrop in which we have to decide the instant writ petition is that on August 10, 1992 the petitioner joined the Town Planning Department of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (hereinafter referred to as MCD) on the post of Junior Town Planner, a Group ‘A’ post.

2. The hierarchical structure of Group ‘A’ posts in the Town Planning Department of MCD is as follows: - Chief Town Planner -Additional Town Planner (re-designated as Senior Town Planner) -Junior Town Planner (re-designated as Deputy Town Planner).

3. There are 3 sanctioned posts of Additional Town Planner in the pay band Rs.15600-39100 in PB-III with Grade Pay of Rs.7,600/- and 1 post of Chief Town Planner in the pay band Rs.37400-67000 in PB-IV with Grade Pay of Rs.10,000/- under MCD.

4. As is evident from the afore-noted hierarchical structure, the post of Junior Town Planner is a feeder post for promotion to the post of Additional Town Planner. In terms of the Recruitment & Promotion Regulations, 1985, for the post of Additional Town Planner in MCD, an officer who has put in five years of regular service in the post of Junior Town Planner is eligible to be considered for