J U D G M E N T

AMIT MAHAJAN, J.

1. The present petition is filed under Article 226 read with Article 227 of the Constitution of India assailing the order dated 22.12.2023 (hereafter ‘impugned order’) passed by the learned Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi (hereafter ‘Tribunal’) in O.A. No. 4276/2015. The Petitioner’s challenge to the rejection of his representation for grant of seniority from an earlier date was dismissed by the impugned order.

2. Succinctly stated, the Petitioner was appointed as Sub-Inspector (Exe.) in the Delhi Police on 21.11.1991. In recognition of his service, he was granted an out-of-turn ad hoc promotion to the rank of Inspector (Exe.) on 17.02.1998 under Rule 19(ii) of the Delhi Police (Promotion & Confirmation) Rules, 1980 (hereafter ‘Delhi Police Rules’). Subsequently, by order dated 31.12.1999, the said out-of-turn promotion was antedated with effect from 02.11.1994. Thereafter, the Petitioner’s promotion was regularised with effect from 02.07.1997 vide order dated 24.01.2000.

3. Thereafter, in the year 2014, the Petitioner preferred a representation to the Respondents seeking antedating of his regularisation in promotion to 0