1. The instant Original Application has been filed by the applicant under Section 19 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 praying for the following reliefs: "8.1] To quash and set aside the impugned communication dated 21.01.2020 (Annexure-A/1) issued by the 4th respondent and grant all consequential benefits. 8.2] To direct the respondents to promote the applicant in the cadre of Group-D w.e.f. 01.07.06 with all consequential benefits. 8.3] Cost of the application 8.4] Pass any order/orders as Your Lordships may deem fit and proper."

2. The applicant was initially appointed as Extra Departmental (E.D.) Letter Box Peon on 23.01.1978. The respondents considering the seniority of applicant time to time appointed him as Group D on ah-hoc basis.

3. The service rule mandated for year wise DPC for promotion of E.D. Agents to Group D posts following the criteria "seniority subject to satisfactory service". The said service rules also provide that E.D. staff who is above the age of 50 years (55 years in case of SC/ST) shall not be eligible for appointment as Group- D. While the applicant was approaching the age of 50 years, he approached the Hon'ble Tribunal by filling O.A. No. 1