Challenge in this writ petition is to an order dated 06.11.2012 made in Original Application No.553/2011, by which, the Central Administrative Tribunal, Chennai Bench, has directed the writ petitioners to grant Assured Career Progression (in short ACP) to the first respondent, in the pay scale of 4500-7000, with effect from 09.08.1999, with all consequential benefits. The writ petitioners are further directed to pass such an order, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the said order.

2. Facts leading to the writ petition are that the first respondent was initially appointed to the post of Cook with effect from 19.07.1972 (Group 'C' Non-Ministerial) in the then pay scale of Rs.100-5-130 by direct recruitment. Subsequently, he was promoted to the post of Senior Deckhand-cum-cook with effect from 09.10.1985 in the pay scale of Rs.290-6-326-8-350-EB-8-390-10-400 (Revised Pay Scale w.e.f. 01.01.1986 was Rs.975-25-1500-EB-30-1540/-). The said scale of pay was subsequently revised as Rs.3,200-85-4900/-. According to the first respondent, he was st