IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Date of Decision : February 11, 2026 LAKHWINDER SINGH -PETITIONER V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS -RESPONDENTS CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI Present: Mr. T.S. Chauhan, Advocate, with Mr. Karanpreet Singh, Advocate, and Mr. Som Nath Sood, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Sahil R. Bakshi, A.A.G., Punjab.

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KULDEEP TIWARI, J. (ORAL)

1. The present writ petition impugns the letter dated 18.02.2021 (Annexure P-8) insofar as it pertains to the petitioner, whereby his name was included for consideration for promotion to the post of Sub-Divisional Officer (PR) by the Departmental Promotion Committee, despite the fact that his case had already been considered by the Departmental Promotion Committee in its meeting held on 07.07.2020 and was kept in a sealed cover.

2. The grievance of the petitioner is that he was entitled to promotion pursuant to the meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee held on 07.07.2020, however, he has not been promoted till date, whereas his juniors have already been promoted.

3. This Court had passed the following order on 20.01.2026:-

“It has been apprised to this Court that the petitioner has already been exonerated from the departmental enquiry, therefore, let the respondents/State, file a fresh affidavit, as to what is the legal impediment, for de-sealing the result of the petitioner.

List this matter on 11.02.2026, for arguments.

To be shown in the urgent list.

In case, the affidavit (supra), is not filed on or before the next date of hearing, the Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, shall cause his/her personal appearance before this Court.

It is made clear that on the next date of hearing, no request for an adjournment on behalf of either of the parties concerned, shall be entertained.”

4. In compliance with the directions embodied in the hereinabove extracted order, learned State counsel has today filed a reply dated 10.02.2026, which is accompanied by an administrative order dated 06.02.2026 (Annexure R-1). The reply reveals that, vide Annexure R-1, the petitioner has been promoted to the post of Sub-Divisional Officer with immediate effect.

5. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner was required to be granted promotion with effect from the date on which his juniors were promoted, however, the same has not been accorded.

6. Be that as it may, during the pendency of the present writ petition, the petitioner has been promoted to the post of Sub-Divisional Officer by the competent authority vide fresh administrative order (Annexure R-1). Therefore, if the petitioner has any surviving grievance with regard to the grant of promotion from the date his juniors were promoted, he shall be at liberty to submit a representation to the competent authority in the first instance. In the event such a representation is made, the competent authority shall consider and decide the same expeditiously, preferably within a period of three months from the date of its receipt.

7. Disposed of accordingly.

8. Pending application(s), if any, also stand disposed of accordingly.

(KULDEEP TIWARI)

February 11, 2026 JUDGE devinder Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No