The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the state to hold Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings every three months, stressing that delays in promotions cannot be justified at the cost of employees’ rights. The ruling reinforces that while promotion itself is not guaranteed, the right to be considered for promotion is a fundamental right under the Constitution.
The order was passed by Justice Harpreet Singh Brar while hearing a petition filed by a junior engineer working with the municipal corporation in Amritsar. The petitioner sought promotion to the post of assistant corporation engineer, arguing that he met all eligibility criteria under the relevant service rules.
The court observed that failure to conduct timely DPC meetings leads to career stagnation and financial loss for employees. Delayed promotions not only affect current pay scales but also push back future advancement opportunities. It noted that employees should not suffer due to administrative lapses or misinterpretation of rules by authorities.
In its direction, the court reiterated existing government instructions that mandate quarterly DPC meetings to ensure timely promotions against vacant posts. It also clarified that eligible candidates must be considered fairly, especially when vacancies exist and service conditions are fulfilled.
The case also involved a dispute over eligibility under the amended recruitment rules. The HC indicated that provisions protecting existing employees must be interpreted correctly, particularly when they allow promotion despite certain qualification gaps.
The judgment comes amid a series of rulings across high courts that draw a clear distinction between the right to be promoted and the right to be considered. While courts have consistently held that promotion is not an automatic entitlement, they have emphasised that due consideration must be timely, fair, and in line with established rules.
