Amarjeet Choudhary, J. - (1.) Civil writ Petition Nos. 9351 of 1987 and 1755 of 1990 are being disposed by a single order as the question of law and fact involved is common in both these petitions.
(2.) This matter relates to promotion from the post of Agriculture Sub-Inspector to Agriculture Inspector. In the Agriculture Department, Punjab, the promotion to the post of Agriculture Inspector is made according to the terms and conditions contained in Annexure P-2. For purpose of these petitions, the relevant terms and conditions read as follows : "(d) 18 per cent posts in the cadre of Agriculture inspectors may first be filed in from amongst those Agriculture Sub Inspectors who have acquired the qualifications of B.Sc. Agriculture irrespective of the seniority. (e) The remaining posts out of 18 per cent reservation quota may be filled up with those Sub Inspectors who are Matric, have passed the Agriculture Sub Inspectors Training Course of any recognised institution with 20 years service, on seniority-cum-merit basis."
(3.) The petitioners before me are Matriculate Agriculture Sub Inspectors having put more than 20 years' and their next promotional avenue being the post of Agriculture Inspector, they fall in the category (e) of the instructions dated 19.1.1983 contained in Annexure P-2, as referred to above. The instructions contained in Annexure P-2 were later on directed to be incorporated in the new Departmental Rules and promotions of Sub Inspectors made in accordance therewith, vide letter Annexure P-3. It was. however, stated in Annexure P-3 that the promotions will be subject to the finalisation of Departmental Rules as and when made.;