N.N. Mathur, J.-By way of instant petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, petitioner

has challenged the order of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Jodhpur Bench dated 20.09.2000, whereby the Original Application No. 318/1998 has been dismissed as barred by limitation.

2. The case of the petitioner is that, he was appointed as a casual employee with effect from 21.08.1966. Thereafter, he was shifted as Cleaner with effect from 30.12.1968. He was declared

surplus with effect from 07.01.1970. He qualified B-1 medical examination for the post of Engine Lighter. He was posted as cleaner with effect from 21.01.1972. However, he was placed in the panel of Engine Lighter as per the order dated 01.03.1973. By order dated 12.05.1975, he was appointed as Loco Engine Lighter. Thus, the seniority was determined considering him Engine Lighter. In the seniority list dated 12.05.1975/04.06.1975, his name appeared at S. No. 341 showing his initial appointment as on 17.04.1970. In the year 1980, one more seniority list of cleaners was published wherein the petitioner was assigned seniority at S. No. 512. The seniority position of the petitioner remained intact in the