Rajiv Narain Raina, J.

1. The petitioner has not come forward to argue his case despite notice but that would not deter me from disposing of the matter on merits after hearing Ms Shruti Jain Goyal, AAG, Haryana.

2. “The present petition has been filed with a twofold prayer, first, to consider his case for promotion to the rank of Inspector w.e.f. 5.12.1998 after placing his name on List “F” w.e.f. 6.11.1998 i.e. the date when his juniors Respondent No. 4 to 6 were promoted and second, to stay the impugned order dated 8.12.1998 (P-16) vide which the said juniors have been promoted.

3. In order to decide the controversy involved in the present petition, it is necessary to recapitulate the relevant facts of this case. The petitioner was enrolled as Constable in Haryana Armed Police on 2.11.1970. He was brought on List C-II and promoted as Head Constable by DIG of Police on the same day even though he was less than 30 years of age which was contrary to provisions of Punjab Police Rules, 1934. The Director General of Police, Haryana set aside that order and directed that th