115 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP-19783-2026 Date of decision: 16.07.2026 Sunita ....Petitioner Versus State of Haryana and another ...Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR Present: Mr. Sanchit Punia, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Rahul Dev Singh, Addl.A.G., Haryana. HARPREET SINGH BRAR, J. (ORAL) 1. The present civil writ petition has been filed under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents to include the name of the petitioner in the seniority list of PGTs (PwD Cadre) and to consider the case of the petitioner for promotion from the post of PGT to the post of Principal along with other similarly situated persons in light of letter dated 24.06.2026 (Annexure P-6) with all consequential benefits. Further, for issuance of a writ in the nature of certiorari for quashing the impugned action of the respondents, whereby, without deciding the representation dated 11.06.2026 (Annexure P-5) regarding the inclusion of the petitioner’s name in the seniority list, the respondents have proceeded to invite cases for promotion from the post of PGT to the post of Principal vide letter dated 24.06.2026 (Annexure P-6). 2. On 03.07.2026, the following order was passed:- NEHA 2026.07.16 17:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh CWP-19783-2026 -2- “Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that the petitioner was appointed as PGT (History) under the General (PwBD-HH) Female Category vide appointment letter dated 26.06.2024 and joined her duties on 27.06.2024, as is evident from Annexures P-1 and P-2, respectively. It is submitted that despite her valid appointment, the name of the petitioner was not included in the seniority list of PGTs (PwBD Cadre). Aggrieved thereof, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 24.10.2024 (Annexure P-3), which was duly forwarded through the proper channel by the Principal to the Block Education Officer, Hisar on 28.10.2024, and thereafter to the District Education Officer, Hisar, for onward transmission to respondent No.2. However, no decision has been taken thereon till date. It is further submitted that even in the provisional/final seniority list published vide notice dated 26.02.2026 (Annexure P-4), the name of the petitioner was again omitted. Consequently, the petitioner submitted a detailed representation dated 11.06.2026 (Annexure P-5) before respondent No.2, which is also stated to be pending consideration. Learned counsel further submits that, without deciding the petitioner's pending representations and without assigning any reason for excluding her name from the seniority list, the respondents issued communication dated 24.06.2026 (Annexure P-6), inviting cases for promotion from the post of PGT to the post of Principal. It is contended that the action of the respondents is arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India, as the petitioner is being deprived of her valuable and legitimate right to have her seniority correctly determined and to be considered for promotion in accordance with law. It is further NEHA 2026.07.16 17:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh CWP-19783-2026 -3- submitted that the petitioner's grievance has remained unattended for more than eighteen months despite repeated representations. Learned State counsel is directed to obtain complete instructions in the matter before the next date of hearing. List on 09.07.2026.” 3. In compliance thereof, learned State counsel on 09.07.2026 has produced the written instructions which were retained on the case file as Mark- A and he has informed this Court that the claim made by the petitioner regarding her seniority is under active consideration. 4. Today, learned State counsel has produced instructions dated 15.07.2026 along with two orders dated 15.07.2026 and 24.06.2026 which are taken on record and retained on the case file as Mark-B and informs this Court that the seniority of the petitioner has been fixed at serial No.681-A which was determined during the pendency of the present petition on 15.07.2026. The Departmental Promotion Committee has not been held for the promotion to the post of Principal from eligible PGT Teachers and the application of eligible candidates would be invited afresh in terms of the letter dated 24.06.2026 regarding inviting application for giving the benefit of 4% reservation to the candidate of PwDs in promotion from PGT to Principal. 5. Having heard learned counsel for the parties and in view of the stand taken by the learned State counsel that the seniority of the petitioner has already been fixed and that fresh applications would be invited for promotion to the post of Principal after extending the benefit of 4% reservation to Persons NEHA 2026.07.16 17:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh CWP-19783-2026 -4- with Disabilities, this Court is of the considered view that the grievance raised in the present petition substantially stands redressed. However, since the process of promotion is yet to be undertaken, it is necessary to ensure that the same is concluded expeditiously. 6. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in Union of India v. Hemraj Singh Chauhan, (2010) 4 SCC 290 has already held that the Departmental Promotion Committee ought to be convened at regular intervals, preferably on a quarterly basis, so that eligible employees are not deprived of timely consideration for promotion. Accordingly, while convening the Departmental Promotion Committee, the respondents shall consider the cases of all eligible candidates, including the petitioner, for promotion to the post of Principal by extending the benefit of 4% reservation for Persons with Disabilities, if otherwise admissible, in terms of the letter dated 24.06.2026 and the written instructions produced before this Court and shall pass appropriate orders in accordance with law. 7. In view of the admitted facts and circumstances of the case as well as the stand taken by the learned State counsel, the present petition is disposed of. The respondents are directed to invite fresh applications within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. Further, the decision taken thereof shall be conveyed to the petitioner. Needless to say, if the petitioner is found entitled to the relief sought, the same shall be granted forthwith by the respondents. (HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 16.07.2026 Neha Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No NEHA 2026.07.16 17:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh