Holding

The amendment to Regulation 9 effected by the 1998 notification and the 2002 amendment gave immediate effect to a revised Flexible Complementing Scheme that raised the residency period to seven years and made promotion contingent on assessment, thereby negating any vested right to automatic promotion in 1999.

Summary

The respondents, scientific officers of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), claimed that they were entitled to promotion to Scientist‑D in 1999 after completing five years in the lower grade under the Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS). BIS argued that the FCS had been amended by a 1998 notification and a 2002 amendment to Regulation 9, which raised the residency period to seven years and made promotion contingent on assessment of performance, thereby removing any vested right to automatic promotion. The High Court and a Single Judge had held that the respondents were eligible for promotion in 1999 and ordered the promotion, but BIS appealed. The Supreme Court held that the 1998 amendment gave immediate effect to the revised scheme, that promotion is not automatic and must be based on the Annual Confidential Reports, and that the 2004 amendment, which barred retrospective promotion, did not apply to the respondents. Consequently, the respondents were not entitled to promotion under the unamended scheme and the appellate court set aside the lower courts’ orders. The appeal was allowed.

Issues considered

Whether the respondents had a vested right to promotion to Scientist‑D in 1999 under the original 1988 regulations.
Whether the 1998 notification and the 2002 amendment to Regulation 9 gave immediate effect to a revised Flexible Complementing Scheme, altering eligibility criteria.
Whether the 2004 amendment introducing a prospective bar on retrospective promotions affects the respondents' claim.
Whether promotion under the Flexible Complementing Scheme is automatic or subject to assessment of Annual Confidential Reports and other performance criteria.
Whether BIS was empowered under Section 38 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 to amend the regulations and implement the revised scheme.

Subjects

service lawpromotionFlexible Complementing Schemeretrospective promotionRegulation 9annual confidential reportvested rightamendmentSection 38Bureau of Indian Standards Act

Judgment

A BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
v.
S.K. KANOJIA

OCTOBER 5, 2007
B
[DR.ARIJITPASAYAT ANDTARUNCHATTERJEE,JJ.]
..
'
~
-....
Service Law:

c Bureau of Indian Standards (Recruitment to Scientific Cadre)
Regulations, 1988-Regulation 9-Promotion-Under 'Flexible
Complementing Scheme-Amendment of Scheme in 1998-
Amendment adopted by the employer· in 2002-Promotion given as
per 1998_ amendment-Writ Petition claiming promotion on the basis
D of unamended-Scheme-Courts below directing promotion on the
basis of unamended Scheme o-n the ground that at the time when the \-
promotions fell due, amended rules did not exist-On appeal, held:
Employees not entitled to promotion under the unamended Scheme-
The amendment having been given immediate effect to by the
E Notification of the date prior to the date the promotions fell due as
per unamened Scheme, view of courts below not correct-Bureau of
Indian Standards Act, 1986-s. 38.

'Flexible Complementary Scheme' (FCS), introduced in 1983/1986 .. ~

was adopted by the appellant-Bureau inJ996 after recommendation of
F
Fifth Central Pay Commission. By a Notification dated 9.11.1998
changes were introduced in the FCS whereby benefit ofFCS was based
on scientific and technical knowledge; and eligibility for promotion was
increased to 7 years from 5 years. The benefit of FCS was also extended
to Scientist 'F' and 'G' thereby. The Bureau implemented the change r-
G
by amending Regulation 9 ofBureau oflndian Standards (Recruitment
to Scientific Cadre) Regulations, 1988 in 2002. The benefit thereunder
was to be given w.e.f. 9.11.1998. Respondents were working as Scientist
'C' w.e.f1994, in the pay-scale of Rs. 10,000-15,200 in the Bureau. They
H 574
I BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS v. S.K. KANOJIA 575
were promoted under FCS in 2003 w.e.f. 2001. They filed Writ Petition A
on the ground that they were to be promoted as Scientist-Don completion
of 5 years i.e. in 1999. The Bureau attributed the delay in promotion, to
the change in Service Regulations. During pendency of the petition,
another Notification was issued in 2004, again amending Regulation 9
whereby a bar against retrospective implementation of the Scheme was B
introduced. Single Judge allowed the Writ Petitions holding that the
petitioners (respondents herein) had become entitled to promotion as
Scientist 'D' in 1999 and at that time Rules to the contrary did not exist
Division Bench of High Court held that the amendment of2004 being
prospective in its operation was not applicable to the employees. The C
order of Single Judge was upheld. Hence the present appeal.
Allowing the appeal; the Court
HELD: Single Judge ofHigh Court was not right in holding that in
1999 the respondents had become eligible for promotion to Grade 'D' D
and at that time rules to the contrary did not exist, overlooking the fact
that in 1998 itself amendment had been bro~ght, in the prevailing
Flexible Complementing Scheme on the basis of1998 Notification and
not under Bureau ofIndian Standards (Recruitment to Scientific Cadre)
Regulations, 1988. Clause 3 of Notification dated 9.11.1998 goes to show E
that it was intend_ed to give immediate effect to the decision. The revised
scheme of 1998 shows the assessment norms for promotion. Definite
focus was on evaluation of scientific and technical knowledge. Uoder
the revised scheme the respondents became eligible for promotion on
completion of7years of service. Undisputedly, the Regulations of1988 F
in Regulation 9 provided that the benefit of FCS was available upto
Scientists grade 'E '.It was therefore necessary to amend the Regulation
so that the Scientists grade "F' and 'G' could be given the benefit of
FCS. Single Judge was also not correct in directing promotion because
promotion is not automatic and the Annual Confidential Reports had to G
be looked into. Regulation 9 provided that the promotion of selected
officers under the FCS was to be on the basis of evaluation from "time
to time". That being so, the Single Judge and the Division Bench were
not correct in their views. The change in 2004 does not in any way cover
H
576 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 10 S.C.R.

A the respondents. [Paras 17, 20, 21and22] [584-E-F; 585-E-H; 586-A]
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 4657 of
2007.
From the final Judgment and Order dated 6.2.2006 of the High Court
B of Delhi at New Delhi in LP.A. No. 1689/2005.
WITH
C.A. Nos. 4658, 4659 and 4660of2007. ~
....
·~

Vikas Singh, A.S.G., B.K. Sood and Indra Sawhney for the
c Appellant.
J.P. Singh and S.S. Jauhar for the Respondent.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
D DR. ARIJIT PASAYAT, J. 1. Leave granted.
2. These appeals are directed against the judgment of a Division \-
Bench of the Delhi High Court dismissing the appeals preferred against
the order of a learned Single Judge who allowed the writ petitions filed
E by the respondents.
3. Background facts in a nutshell are as follows:
The respondents had claimed for directions to the appellants-Bureau
oflndian Standards (hereinafter referred to as 'BIS') to promote them
F as Scientists-Din the pay-scale ofRs.12000-375-16500 on the date of -~
their completion of 5 years of service in the lower grade under a scheme
known as the "Flexible Complementing Scheme" (hereinafter referred to
as 'FCS').
The BIS is governed by statutory regulations. The relevant provision,
G viz. Regulation 9 of Bureau oflndian Standards (Recruitment to Scientific
~
Cadre) Regulation, 1988 (in short the "Regulation") reads as follows:
"9. Promotion to the Posts upto System Scientist-E [Director
(selection Grade)]" (1) The selection for promotions shall be made
H from amongst the scientific cadre officers serving in the next lower
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS v. S.K. KANOJIA 577
[PASAYAT, J.]

grade by:the standing staff committee of Selection Committee 'A' A
as the case may be, on the recommendations of the Assessment
committee appointed by the Director General under sub-regulation
(3). Selection of officers for promotion shall be made on the basis
of assessment procedure as laid down by the Executive Committee
which shall take into account qualifications performance, merit, B
seniority, potential, annual confidential reports for previous five
years and interview.
(2) The promotion of Selected officers to next higher grade upto
the System Scientist-E shall be made in the same manner as laid c
down in the Scheme of Flexible Complementing formulated from
time to time by the Department of Science and Technology for
promotion of Scientists in scientific organizations under the Central
Government and shall be effective from the date of eligibility."
4. The BIS adopted recommendations of the Fifth Central Pay D
Commission, with effect from 1-1-1996, and implemented the FCS. The
FCS contemplated promotion, after completion of certain prescribed
periods of service, in relation to each post (known as the "residency
period"). These pertained not only to posts, but also to scales of pay.
The relevant residency periods were as follows: E
Scales of Designation Minimmn
Pay Residency period linked to
Perfmmance
(a) Rs.8000-13500 ScientistB 3 years F
(b) Rs. I 0000-15200 Scientist C 4 years
(c) Rs.12000-16500 Scientist D 4 years
(d) Rs.14300-18300 ScientistE 5 years
5. The respondents were in the pay-scale ofRs.10,000-15,200, and
working as Scientist-C, with effect from 10.3 .1994 and were to have been G
promoted to Scientist -D, after five years in 1999. The promotions were
granted only in March, 2003, with effect from March, 2001. The delay
was attributed by the BIS, to a contemplated change in the Service
Regulations. Changes were introduced to the FCS by an Office
Memorandum dated 9th November, 1998 which modified the eligibility H
578 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 10 S.C.R.

A for benefits of the FCS linked to the Annual Confidential Reports of the
person concerned. Regulation 9 was amended by notification dated 3rd
May, 2002, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 38 of the
Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 (in short the "Act") to read as
follows:
B
"9 .Protmotion to the Posts up to Scientist-G "( 1) The selection
for promotions shall be made from amongst the Scientific Cadre
officers serving in the next lower grade by the Assessment
Committee appointed by the Director General under sub-regulation
(2). Selection of officers for promotion shall be made in the same
c manner as laid down in the Scheme of Flexible complementing
formulated from time to time .by the Central Government for
promotion of scientists in Scientific Organizations under the Central
Government and shall be effective from the date of eligibility. The
Scheme of Flexible Complementing as formulated by the Central
D
Government vide OM No.2/41/P 1C-97 dated the 9th November,
1998 would be effective for Scientific Cadre Officers upto and
inclusive of the level of Scientist-E from 9th November, 1998 and
for the levels of Scientist-F and Scientist G, the date of promotion
would be effective from the date of Gazette Notification of this
E
revised regulation."

6. The rationale for the amendment was spelt out in Explanatory
Memorandum to the notification, which stated, inter alia that:
"The Scheme of Flexible Complementing (FCS) was earlier
F
introduced based on the guidelines issued by the Department of
Science and Technology (DST) in November, 1983 for all
Scientific and Technical Organizations/Institutions of the
Government oflndia, which was later modified vide Department
of Science & Technology's OM No.A.42014/2/86-Admn.l(A)
G
dated the 28th May, 1986. According to this scheme, the ,,
promotion of an officer in scientific service from one grade to the
next higher grade would take place after a prescribed period of
five years residency service on the basis of assessment procedure
as laid down by individual organization. Promotions made under
H
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS v. S.K. KANOJIA , 579
[PASAYAT, J.]
this scheme would be in-situ and with effect from the date of their A
eligibility as per the residency period and personal to the officer
concerned irrespective of the occurrence of the vacancy in the
higher grade. Accordingly, in Bureau of Indian Standards, all
Scientific Cadre Officers were considered eligible for promotion
from one grade to the next higher grade after they had put in 5 B
years of residency service in that grade. Thereafter, based on the
assessment procedure as laid down by the Executive Committee
of Bureau of Indian Standards, which shall take Into account
qualifications, performance, merit, seniority, potential, annual
confidential reports for previous five years and interview by the' C
Assessment Committee appointed "by the Director General, the
officers would be promoted to the next higher grade as per their
date of eligibility."
7. The respondents had approached the court, complaining that the D
BIS acted arbitrarily in withholding promotions to them to the cadre of
Scientist D, from the date of their eligibility; instead of the promotion
rightfully due to them in 1999, they were given the benefit in 2001. During
the pendency of their writ petitions, another notification was issued on 12-
8-2004, and published in the Gazette of India. By this notification E
Regulation 9 was again amended. The Explanatory Memorandum clarified
the purpose behind the change. It stated that BIS Regulations, 2002
adopted the Scheme formulated by the Central Government and its benefits
were to be given to employees with effect from 9th November, 1998. It
was felt that the BIS did not possess powers to implement the Scheme F
retrospectively. The policy of the Central Government was that the Scheme
should apply to the Scientific Cadre Officers of the BIS only prospectively.
Therefore, the Notification was issued to rectify a mistake. Regulation 9,
as amended in2004, read as follows:
"9.Promotion to the Posts up to Scientist-G "(l) The selection for G
promotions shall be made from amongst the Scientific Cadre
officers serving in the next lower grade by the Assessment
Connnittee appointed by the Director General under sub-regulation
(2). Selection of officers for promotion shall be made in the san1e
manner as laid down in the Scheme of Flexible Complementing H
{
'
l

580 SUPREME, COURT REPORTS [2007] 10 S.C.R.

A formulated from time to time by the Central Government for
promotion of scientists in Scientific Organizations under the Central
Government subject to the condition that the said Scheme shall be
applicable to the Scientific Cadre Officers of the Bureau from the
date of commencement of the Bureau of Indian Standards
B (Recruitment of Scientific Cadre) Amendment Regulations, 2004."

8. The original writ petitioners had also urged that other employees,
viz Shri H.J.S. Pasricha, Smt. D.G. Dastidar, Shri G. Bhaskar, Shri
Bijender Kumar Jain, Shri Jayanta Roy Chowdhury and Smt. Mala
C Ayyappan, had been given the benefit of automatic 'promotion' to Class-
D in December 1998, although by that time the proposed changes had
already been effected.
9. The learned Single Judge allowed the writ petitions of the
respondents, relying upon the decisions of this Court in State ofAndhra
D Pradesh & Ors. v. Sreenivasa Rao & Ors., [1993] 3 SCC 285; P.
Mahendran & Ors. v. State of Karnataka & Ors., [1990] 1 SCC 411;
P. Murugesan & Ors. v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors., [1993] 2 SCC
340 and a decision of this Court, in CW No. 4555/2001 entitled Mr.
NC.Jain & Ors. v. New Delhi Municipal Council & Ors., decided on
E September 16, 2003. He rejected the contention of the appellant BIS
that by virtue of the amendments, particularly of2004, it was no longer
possible to grant benefit of retrospective promotion to any official or
employee.

F 10. The learned Single Judge held as follows:
"In 1999 the Petitioners had become entitled to 'promotion' to
Group-D and at that time Rules to the contrary did not exist. The
then prevailing FCS ought to have therefore been implemented in
1999 itself and had this been so done the Petitioners would have
G been promoted to Group-Dafter the expiry of five years service
in Group-C. It should also not be overlooked that the effect of
the Notification of 12th August, 2004 was to return to the regime
which entitled the Petitioner to automatic progression to Group-D
on their completing five years in Group-C.
H
!
f
BUREAU OF INDIAN STAND ARDS v. S.K. KANOJIA 581
[PASAYAT, J.]

In these circumstances, the Writ Petitions are allowed and the A
r respondents are directed to promote the Petitioners to the post of
Scientist-0 in the pay-scale ofRs,12,000-375-16,500/- as soon
as each of the petitioners had rendered five years service in the
post of Scientist-Casper the Flexible Complementing Scheme
applicable on the said date." B

11. The appellants preferred writ appeals before the High Court
1-)
which by the impugned judgment, dismissed the same. The conclusions
of the High Court are set out in paragraphs 13 and 14 of the judgment.
The High Court was of the view that the amendment introduced in 2004 c
for the first time sought to introduce a bar against retrospective promotions
i.e. from the date the eligibility conditions of the officials aspiring for
promotion were fulfilled. Before the amendment no such prohibition or
condition existed. It was held that the amendment is not retrospective in
its operation. It was held that though the term "retrospective" was used, D
the promotion under the previous scheme as modified in 1996 and
amended in 1998 and 2002 created an entitlement in favour of the officer
in a feeder cadre to be promoted from the date he fulfilled the eligibili1:y
condition. This, according to the High Court, is evident from the
Notification dated 9.11.1998 and the amendment to Regulation 9 effective E
from 2002. The limiting condition of the date of promotion being after
the due date of application of the notification was in respect of promotions
above the level of Scientist E. The High Court felt that the rationale for
this C(<)nclusion was that merely the post was included in the scheme for
the first tin1e on 3.5.2002 and the right to be considered and granted 'in F
situ' promotion to the petitioners from the dates they acquired eligibility
after completion of the residency period did not stand altered. The
prohibition introduced in 2004 was prospective and could not take away
their right to be dealt with as on the date they became eligible to be
promoted, which indeed was the date when the promotion was to be G
~ effective. It was held that the respondents were promoted in 2003.
12. In support of the appeals, learned counsel for the appellants
submitted that the true effect of Regulation 9 has not been duly considered.
The issue relates to entitlement of Scientific Officers in Grade 'C' to
H
-(
582 SUPREME COURT REPORTS . [2007] 10 S.C.R.

A promotion under Scientific Officer in Grade 'D'. FCS was introduced by
a Notification issued in the year 1983/1986 wherein the same to be ~
applicable to three levels i.e. S-1 level in the pay scale of Rs.. 700-1300,
S-11 level in the pay scale of Rs.1100-1600 and S-111 level in the pay
scale of Rs.1500-2000. It was further provided in the scheme that in
B exceptional cases the scheme may be extended to next higher level i.e.
S-IV in the pay scale of Rs.1800-2250 on merits depending upon the
extent of stagnation at that level. In the year 1988 the BIS recruitment to
Scientific Cadre Regulations were promulgated. In order to give benefit ~ _""
to scientific cadre officers of the BIS, Regulation 9 made the requisite
C provision.
13. It is pointed out that the order of the learned Single Judge and
the judgment of the Division Bench have failed to take notice of a very
crucial expression i.e. 'from time to time'. On 16.3 .1994 the respondents .
D were promoted to the post of Scientific Grade 'C' under the FCS. As
the scheme stood then the respondents would be ·entitled to further
promotion as Scientists in Grade 'D' under FCS upon completion of five
years of service i.e. w.e.f. March, 1999 provided the respondent.s made
it under assessment procedure laid down by BIS. Before the re~p_ondents
E became eligible for promotion the scheme itself was modified on 9.11.1998
where the minimum residency period for promotion was reduced from
five years to four years. However, the number of years in which the
Scientific Officer became; eligible was to be <let.ermined under a graded
scheme depending upon the merits in me ACR. Under the revised scheme
F of 1998 the promotion under FCS was made more rigorous. providing
more emphasis on evaluation of scientific and technical knowledge so that
only scientists with demonstrable achievements or higher level of technical
merit would be recommended for promotion under the FCS. Under the
revised scheme, respondents became eligible for promotion in Sci~ntists
G grade 'D' after completion of 7 years of service in the Grade of Scientists
Grade 'C'. Under the amended scheme of 9) 1.1998 Scientists in Grade
'F' as well as in Grade 'G' were also included for being given the benefit
ofFCS. Since the regulations of 1988 more particularly, Regulation 9
provided for the benefit ofFCS only upto Scientists Grade 'E', there was
H necessity to amend the Regulation so that Scientists Grade 'F' and 'G'
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS v: S.K. KANOJIA 583
[PASAYAT, J.]
could also be given the benefit. With effect from 3.5.2002, Regulation 9 A
was amended.
14. It is submitted that before the respondents became eligible the
scheme itself had undergone a change and 1986 scheme had been
superseded in view of introduction of the new scheme on 9.11.1998. .B
There was no vested right to be considered for promotion merely on
completion of 5 years of service. The High Court erroneously held that
even if the amendment existed there was vested right. In essence, it was
submitted that both the learned Single Judge as well as the Division Bench
committed a manifest mistake by holding that the respondents had a vested C
right in the year 1999 to be promoted to the grade of Scientists Grade
'D' on mere completion of five years of service. It was also submitted .
that out of 180 officers who were covered by the change in the scheme ·•
w.e.f. 9.11.1998 only four had filed writ petitions and rest accepted the
change. D
15. In response, learned counsel for the respondents submitted that
the explanatory memorandum at the time of amendment on 12.8.2004
Il'l;ade the position clear and the High Court's view was right. It was clearly
stated that the appellant had no power to implement the scheme
retrospectively. The respondents are entitled to be considered as per the E
earlier FCS and promoted in situ w.e.f. 10.3.1999. Therefore, it was
submitted that the appeals deserve to be dismissed.
~ 16. Under the amended scheme there are gradings according to the
ACRs and the criteria for being considered for promotion under the PCS F
have been laid down. They read as follows:
"(a) All officers will be first screened on the basis of gradings iu
the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) for consideration for
promotion; the ACRs should be assessed on a 10 point scale giving
>.. 10 marks for "outstanding", 8 marks for "very good", 6 marks for G
"good", 4 marks for "average" and 0 for "poor" and only those
officers who satisfy the minimum residency period linked to their
perfonnance as

H
584 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 10 S.C.R.

A Number of years in the grade
3 4 5 6 7 8
Minimum percentage for eligibility
Scientist B to 90% 80% 70% 65% 60%
Scientist C
B · Scientist C to 90% 80% 75% 70% 60%
ScientistD
Scientist D to 90% 80% 75% 70% 60%
Scientist E
c Scientist E to 90% 80% 75% 70%
Scientist F
Scientist F to 90% 80% 75% 70%
Scientist G
Exceptionally meritorious candidates with all outstanding gradings
D may be granted relaxation in the residency period, the relaxation
being not more than one year on any single occasion. Such a
relaxation will be limited to a maximum of two occasions in their
entire career."
E 17. The revised scheme of 1998 shows the assessment norms for
promotion. Definite focus was on evaluation of scientific and technical
knowledge. Under the revised scheme the respondents became eligible
for promotion on completion of 7 years of service. Undisputedly, the
Regulations of 1988 in Regulation 9 provided that the beneijt of FCS was
F available upto Scientists grade 'E'. It was therefore necessary to amend
the Regulation so that the Scientists grade "F' and 'G' could be given
the benefit of FCS.
18. The crucial expressions in the Notification of 9th November,
1998 contain certain stipulations which are as under. In clause 2 it has
G been inter-alia stated as follows:
" ...... .It has also been decided that assessment norms for
promotions under the Flexible Complementing Scheme should be
rigorous with due emphasis on evaluation of scientific and technical
H knowledge so that only the scientists who have to their credit
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS v. S.K. KANOJIA 585
[PASAYAT,J.]
demonstrable achievements or higher level of te9hnical merit are A
recommended for promotion under the Flexible Complementing
Scheme."
19. Again in Clause 3 it has been stated as follows:
" ..................... Accordingly, all the posts covered under the B
Flexible Complementing Scheme shall cany the following unifonn
,_;
j scales of pay, designations and the minimum residency period linked
to perfonnance:-
Scales of Pay Designation Minimum Residency
Period linked to
c
Performance
(a) Rs.8000-13500 Scientist B 3 years
(b) Rs. l 0000-15200 Scientist C 4 years
(c) Rs.12000-16500 ScientistD 4 years D
(d) Rs.14300-18300 ScientistE 5 years
(e) Rs. 16400-20000 Scientist F 5 years
(f) Rs.18400-22400 Scientist G Not available
In order to give immediate effect to the decision contained in this ' E
para an umbrella Notification has been issued vide G.S.R.
No.660(E) dated 9.11.1998"
~ 20. As a bare reading of above quoted clause goes to show that it
was intended to give immediate effect to the decision, an umbrella F
Notifi~ation G.S.R.No.660(E) dated 9.11.1998 was being issued. The
criteria for promotion have already been quoted above.
21. Stand before the High Court was that the eligibility was after
1999 and there was a vested right. It is to be noted that under the 1998
G
Regulations also the same could not have been applied to Grade 'F' and
'G' and so the amendment as noted above was necessary. Learned Single
Judge was not right in holding that in 1999 the respondents had become
eligible for promotion to Grade 'D' and at that time rules to the contrary
did not exist, overlooking the fact that in 1998 itself amendment had been
H
586 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 10 S.C.R.

A brought in the prevailing FCS on the basis of 1998 Notification and not
under 1988 Regulations. Learned Single Judge was also not correct in.
directing promotion because promotion is not automatic and the Annual
Confidential Reports had to be looked into. The change in 2004 does
not in any way cover the respondents. ·
B 22. Regulation 9 provided that the promotion of selected officers
under the FCS was to be on the basis of evaluation from "time to time".
That being so, the learned Single _Judge and the Division Bench were not
correct in their views~ The appeals deserve to be allowed which we direct.
The order of the learned Single Judge as affirmed by the High Court
C stands set aside. There will be no order as to costs.
K.K.T. Appeals allowed.