- (1.) Leave granted.
(2.) Admittedly, the respondents were appointed as Assistant Linemen. Preceding October 10, 1988, the rule in vogue was that 15% of the quota was reserved for the Assistant Lineman for promotion as Lineman on the basis of the seniority. On October 10, 1988 a new promotion policy has been evolved in exercise of the statutory power called "revised recruitment and promotion policy" and the criteria has been laid down for promotion to the post of linemen.
(3.) Rule 1.3.1. provides thus: "The recruitment will be by promotion from amongst Assistant Linemen working in respective circles on seniority-cum-merit basis. Their seniority will be on circle level basis as here-to-fore". Thus, it could be seen that for promotion from the post of Assistant Lineman to the post of Lineman, the criterion is seniority-cum-merit and the pre-existing policy of reservation of 15% quota to the Assistant Lineman with Matriculation with I.T.I. has been dispensed with. All promotions have been made on par and all linemen working in the circle would be eligible for consideration for promotion in the respective circle on the basis of seniority-cum-merit.;