IN THE HIGH COURT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR AT JAMMU
RAJESH BINDAL, TASHI RABSTAN, JJ.
State of J&K and others - Appellant
Versus
Sham Lal - Respondent
LPASW No. 77 of 2010 (O&M) in SWP No. 1917 of 2001
Decided on : 31-12-2018
RAJESH BINDAL, J.
1. The State has filed the present intra-court appeal against the order passed by the learned Single Judge, whereby the writ petition filed by the respondent claiming promotion to the post of Computer (Junior Health Instructor), was accepted.
2. Learned counsel for the State, while impugning the order passed by the learned Single Judge, argued that the order runs contrary to the J&K Health and Medical (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 1992 (for short, ‘the 1992 Rules’). The respondent was working as a Field Worker and could claim promotion only as a Basic Health Worker, which was rightly accorded to him. But still aggrieved, he filed the writ petition claiming that he deserved to be promoted as Computer (Junior Health Instructor) and not Basic Health Worker. If the provisions of the 1992 Rules and the qualifications prescribed therein are considered, the next promotion could be as Basic Health Worker from the post of Field Worker. Specific quotas have been provided and in terms thereof, the respondent was promoted. The order passed by the learned Single Judge directing promotion is exceeding its jurisdiction, as all what could be directed was consideration of his case and not promotion as such.
3. On the other hand, learned counsel for the respondent submitted that if the 1992 Rules are considered, the post of Computer (Junior Health Instructor) is to be filled up 50% by way of direct recruitment, whereas 50% by way of promotion from Junior Assistant/Field Worker. Undisputedly, the respondent was working as Field Worker. He had a right to be considered and promoted as Computer (Junior Health Instructor). The petitioner had to approach this Court by filing the present petition seeking enforcement of his rightful claim as vide order dated 28.7.2001, he was promoted as Basic Health Worker instead of Computer (Junior Health Instructor). The relief was rightly granted to the petitioner as he is entitled to that in terms of the 1992 Rules. He further referred to the order, vide which the petitioner was promoted as Basic Health Worker, where different officers working on different posts were promoted in a different channel. He referred to the names of Mohd. Yousuf, who was promoted as Junior Health Instructor (Family Welfare) and also Bal Kishan, who was similarly promoted.
4. In response, Mr. Siddiqui, learned Senior Additional Advocate General submitted that prayer in the writ petition was only for consideration of the case of the respondent as Junior Health Instructor and not as Computer (Junior Health Instructor), hence, the relief was wrongly granted to the respondent.
5. Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the paper book.
6. Before the issues sought to be raised by the learned counsel for the parties are considered, it will be appropriate to refer to the relevant Rules. Annexure ‘A’ to the 1992 Rules provides for class and mode of recruitment of various posts of non-gazetted staff. The relevant portion of Annexure ‘A’ is reproduced hereunder:-
“L. Health Education:
Class
category
designation
Grade
Qualification
Method of recruitment
1.
2
3
4
5
6
V
A
Basic Health Worker
900-1830
Matric
100% by promotion from Class VI category (a) having five years experience in that category
VI
A
Basic Health Workers (All discipline)
800-1500
Matric
100% by promotion from Class VIII category (a) & (b) subject to having passed Matriculate examination.
7. A perusal of the aforesaid Schedule annexed to the 1992 Rules provides that there is a post of Basic Health Worker (All Discipline) with pay scale of Rs. 800-1500 with minimum qualification as Matriculate. It has to be filled up 100% by promotion from Class VIII categories (a) & (b).
8. In Class V
Classification based on educational qualifications for promotion is a valid exercise of administrative authority that does not violate constitutional equality protections. Financial career progressio....
Promotion rights must adhere to seniority rules, with equitable treatment for similarly situated employees.
Appointments made in violation of statutory rules are in violation of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India and are in nullity.
Promotional rules established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 are discretionary, and employees have no vested rights to specific promotional categories beyond what is permitted by existi....
Promotion rights based on seniority prior to rule changes upheld; non-consideration of eligible employees violates legal rights.
Prior qualifications obtained before service cannot disqualify candidates from promotion, ensuring equal opportunity in service.
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