- (1.) Leave granted in SLP(C) No.15138/2017.
(2.) The interpretation of Rule 19 (ii) of the Delhi Police (Promotion and Confirmation) Rules, 1980 arises in these cases qua the aspect whether the seniority of the persons promoted out of turn would be reckoned from the year of promotion or from the year the eligibility list is drawn.
(3.) The relevant Rule reads as under: "19. Ad-hoc promotions-(i) In special circumstances when there are no approved names on promotion lists, and vacancies exists, the Commissioner of Police, may promote suitable officers in order of seniority to next higher rank temporarily. Such promotions shall not entitle the officers concerned to claim and right for regular appointment or seniority or for appointment to such or any other equivalent post and shall be liable to reversion without notice as soon as qualified men become available. (ii) To encourage outstanding sportsmen, marksmen, officers who have shown exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty, the Commissioner of Police may, with prior approval of Administrator, promote such officers to the next higher rank provided vacancies exist. Such promotions shall not exceed 5 per cent of the vacancies likely to fall vacant in the given year in the rank. Such promotions shall be treated as ad-hoc and will be regularized when the persons so promoted have successfully completed the training course prescribed like (Lower School Course), if any. For purposes of seniority such promotees shall be placed at the bottom of the promotion list drawn up for that year." (emphasis supplied) ;