In Brief
The petitioner C. Girija sought inclusion in a 2001 promotion panel for the position of Assistant Personnel Officer (APO) under the Southern Railway's 30% Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) quota. She had applied for 4 unreserved vacancies but was not selected; the 5th vacancy was reserved for SC candidates. She filed a representation only in 2007, over six years later. The Tribunal and High Court allowed her claim, but the Supreme Court held that her stale claim was barred by delay and laches and should not have been entertained. However, the Court allowed her retiral benefits with interest, dismissing the Railway's appeals while directing payment of retirement dues.
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