JUDGMENT :

Heard learned counsel for the parties through V.C.

2. The instant writ application has been preferred by the petitioner praying therein for a direction upon the respondent-authorities to issue promotion order in favour of the petitioner to the rank of Executive Engineer (Civil) with effect from 26.12.1989, Superintending Engineer (Civil) with effect from 01.10.2002, Additional Chief Engineer (Civil) and Chief Engineer (Civil) from the date, immediate junior to the petitioner, namely, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sinha was promoted to the rank of Chief Engineer (Civil) by notification dated 01.07.2008 with all consequential benefits.

3. The case of the petitioner is that he joined service of the respondents on 31.12.1976 as Assistant Engineer (Civil). The petitioner was made an accused in one criminal case under several provisions of I.P.C. and section 5 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act and pursuant thereto, the petitioner was put under suspension w.e.f. 08.04.1981. A charge-sheet was issued on 05.01.1982 and finally after completion of departmental proceeding; the disciplinary aut