JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. H. K. Das, the learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Ms. R. S. Deori, the learned Standing Counsel for the respondent Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

1. By way of the present writ petition, the petitioner challenges the order dated 19.03.2020, whereby the prayer of the petitioner for grant of seniority and financial benefit with retrospective effect from the date of original DPC held on 30.07.2015 has been rejected. The undisputed background facts of the present litigation can be summarized as follows:-

I. Pursuant to a selection process initiated by Assam Public Service Commission, (in short APSC) the petitioner was recommended for appointment to the post of Assistant Soil Conservation Officer (in short ASCO) on 23.12.2009.

II. Pursuant to a Notification dated 17.05.2010, appointing the petitioner to the post of ASCO, the petitioner joined the service on 18.05.2010.

III. The Gradation List reflecting the seniority position of the ASCOs till 2012, the petitioner was placed below one Akhtar Hussain.

IV. Being aggrieved, the petitioner submitted a representation before the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, Soil Conservation Department on 14.08.2015 claim