Authority: High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla

Order Date: 21 August 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitions: CWP Nos. 11700, 11702, 12009, 12819 of 2026 filed by Amit Kumar & Ors., Balbir Singh & Ors., Diwanshu Mahajan & Anr., and Kishore Kumar (J.E.) respectively, all against the State of Himachal Pradesh & others.
  • Respondents include the State of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, and various private respondents (identified by respondent numbers).
  • Judges: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ranjan Sharma.
  • Counsel: Senior Advocates and Advocates representing petitioners and respondents as listed in the order.
  • Core grievance: Petitioners alleged denial of promotion from Junior Engineer (Civil) to Assistant Engineer (Civil) despite seniority, claiming the DPC held on 08‑07‑2026 ignored them and promoted juniors.
  • Government position: The matter was under consideration at the Government level; the Government decided to review the DPC held on 08‑07‑2026 in consultation with the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
  • Instruction dated 20.08.2026 from Additional Secretary (Jal Shakti), Government of Himachal Pradesh, indicated that the writ petitions had become infructuous and deserved dismissal.

Final Outcome

  • The High Court disposed of all four petitions with a common order, directing dismissal as the matters are now infructuous due to the Government’s decision to review the DPC.
  • The Government Department shall conduct the review of the DPC in conformity with all applicable Rules, Regulations, instructions, and norms, taking into account seniority and the petitioners’ grievances.
  • The Notification dated 10‑07‑2026 (Annexure P‑5) issued pursuant to the original DPC recommendations loses its efficacy and enforceability.
  • Parties are directed to maintain the status quo as of the order date.
  • The review DPC must be held on or before 30‑09‑2026, and a follow‑up order/notification shall be issued within one week thereafter.
  • Any aggrieved party may seek appropriate legal remedy in accordance with law after the review DPC outcome.

Topics: Promotion Review, Judicial Dismissal