M. Katju, J. - (1.) This writ petition has been filed for a mandamus directing the respondents to consider and decide the claim of the petitioner for being promoted to the post of Superintending Engineer in Minor Irrigation Department and Rural Engineering Services, U. P., in accordance with the relevant service rules and for quashing the impugned order dated 19.7.2002 (Annexure-1 to the writ petition) passed by the respondent No. 1 by which respondent Nos. 3, 4 and 5 were promoted as Superintending Engineer without considering the claim of the petitioner.
(2.) Heard learned counsel for the parties.
(3.) The petitioner was appointed as Assistant Engineer in Minor Irrigation Department, U. P., on 16.12.1980 and was promoted as Executive Engineer vide order dated 11.9.1989. It is alleged in para 4 of the writ petition that he made several representations thereafter claiming further promotion to the post of Superintending Engineer in U. P. Service of Engineers (Minor Irrigation Department) Rules, 1991 (hereinafter referred to as the Rules) copy of which is Annexure-2 to the writ petition,;