JUDGMENT :

Jagmohan Bansal, J.

The petitioner through instant petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking setting aside of order dated 31.01.2023 (Annexure P-17) whereby respondent has rejected claim of the petitioner seeking counting of service rendered from 13.06.1996 to 30.06.2004 with Punjab State Electricity Board (for short ‘PSEB’) as Assistant Engineer (Electrical).

2. The petitioner on 13.06.1996 joined Punjab State Electricity Board as Assistant Engineer (Electrical). The respondent-State advertised posts of Civil Servants (Executive Branch). The petitioner applied for the post and came to be selected in PCS (Executive Branch). He made multiple representations to respondents to the effect that his service period with PSEB may be counted for pensionary benefits. The respondent by order dated 31.01.2023 (Annexure P-17) has rejected his claim. It is apt to mention here that respondent did not pass a reasoned order. For the ready reference, the said order is reproduced as below:-

“Subject: Grant of benefit of Old Pension Scheme after counting service rendered in the Punjab State Electricity Board

With reference to your Representations dated 15.07.2022, 1