Kh. Nobin Singh, J.

1. Heard Shri Mark Khapai, learned counsel for the petitioner, Shri Shyam Sharma, learned Government Advocate for the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 and Shri Th. Romel (Jr. to Shri I. Lalitkumar, Sr. Advocate) for the respondent No. 3 (MPSC).

2. The present writ petition has been filed by the petitioner praying for issuing directions to the respondents to promote him to the post of Inspector of Police with retrospective effect from the date his juniors were promoted.

3. The facts, in short, are that the petitioner was initially appointed as Sub-Inspector in the year 1986 in the Police Department, Government of Manipur vide order dated 26-09-1986 issued by the Police Headquarter. While serving as Sub-Inspector in Ukhrul Police Station, Government of Manipur, the petitioner was placed under suspension in contemplation of a disciplinary proceeding in connection with the lost of arms and ammunitions. On completion of the enquiry, the Enquiry Officer submitted a report dated 12-09-2001 recommending a minor punishment of withholding increments for 3 (three) years with cumulative effect and reinstatement of the petitioner in service. The Disciplinary Authority, Deputy In