Authority: High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh

Order Date: 17 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Petition No.: CWP-21637-2026 filed by Hari Ram (Petitioner) against Punjab Mandi Board/Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board and others (Respondents).
  • Petition invoked Articles 226/227 of the Constitution, seeking a writ of certiorari to quash a letter dated 08.05.2026 (Annexure P‑9) issued by Respondent No.2 on behalf of Respondent No.1, which withheld the petitioner’s promotion on the ground of a pending FIR with no challan filed.
  • The petitioner also sought a writ of mandamus directing Respondents No.3/4 to promote him as Mandi Supervisor effective 01.02.2019 and to grant all consequential service benefits.
  • A legal notice dated 11.02.2026 (Annexure P‑10) was served by the petitioner for redressal of his grievances and remained pending consideration.
  • Respondents No.1 to 4 were represented by Mr. T.S. Sidhu, Advocate, who accepted notice; Respondent No.5 was represented by Mr. Rohit Ahuja, D.A.G., Punjab, who also accepted notice and expressed no objection to the petitioner’s prayer.
  • The Court heard counsel for both sides and reviewed the case record.

Final Outcome

  • The Court disposed of the petition without addressing its merits.
  • It directed Respondent No.3 to consider and decide the legal notice dated 11.02.2026 expeditiously, to pass a speaking (reasoned) order after affording the petitioner an opportunity of hearing, and to convey the decision to the petitioner.
  • The speaking order must be issued preferably within four months from the date of receipt of the certified copy of this order.

Topics: Legal Procedure, Public Service Promotion