Sumninder Kaur vs State Of Punjab And Others

Namit Kumar, J

The present petition has been filed by the petitioner under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, seeking issuance of a writ of certiorari for quashing the promotion order dated 14.11.2025 (Annexure P-6), whereby respondent No.4, who is junior to the petitioner, has been promoted to the post of District Pharmacy Officer/Chief Pharmacy Officer Grade-I by overlooking the legitimate and superior claim of the petitioner. Further seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus, directing the respondents to consider and promote the petitioner to the post of District Pharmacy Officer/Chief Pharmacy Officer Grade-I from the date her junior was promoted with all consequential benefits including seniority and arrears of pay.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that for redressal of her grievances, the petitioner has also served legal notice dated 19.11.2025 (Annexure P-7) to the respondents which is still pending consideration. He further submits that at this stage, the petitioner would be satisfied, if appropriate directions are issued to the respondents to consider and decide the said legal notice, by passing a speaking order, in a time bound manner.

Notice of motion issued to respondents No.1 to 3 only.

Mr. N.P.S. Hira, D.A.G., Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the respondents-State. He has no objection to the innocuous prayer made by learned counsel for the petitioner.

I have heard learned counsel for the parties and have gone through the record of the case.

Without going into the merits of the case at this stage, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2 to consider and decide legal notice dated 19.11.2025 (Annexure P-7) submitted by the petitioner expeditiously, by passing a speaking order after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, preferably within a period of 03 months from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. Further, the decision taken thereon shall be conveyed to the petitioner. Needless to say, if the petitioner is found entitled to the relief sought, the same shall be granted to her within a period of 01 month thereafter.