Judgment

DUTT, J.:- This appeal by special leave is directed against the judgment of the Division Bench of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana whereby the High Court dismissed in limine the letters patent appeal preferred by the appellant against the judgment of a learned single Judge of the High Court dismissing the writ petition of the appellant relating to his seniority.

2. The appellant was appointed an Assistant Engineer-II with effect from June, 10, 1963 in the Punjab State Electricity Board on probation for two years which ended on June, 10, 1965. After the bifurcation of the Punjab State Electricity Board, the service of the appellant was allocated to the Haryana State Electricity Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board. As a result of a disciplinary proceeding held against the appellant, on April 15,1968 a minor penalty for the stoppage of one increment without any future effect was imposed on the appellant by the Board. After the expiry of one year, the appellant was, however, given the increment.

3. Although the probationary period of the appellant was completed on June 10, 1965, he was not confirmed within a reasonable time thereafter. There is also no material to sho