CWP (T) No. 2794 of 2008. 26.3.2009 Present: Mr. Dilip Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. R.K. Sharma, Sr. Addl. A.G. with Mr. Vikas Rathore, Dy.A.G. for the respondents. The petitioner has assailed the promotion of respondent No.2 effected on 12.1.1972. The name of respondent No.2 was recommended by the Departmental Promotion Committee in the year 1969. However, he was promoted on 12.1.1972. The petitioner was also promoted on ad hoc basis with effect from 16.1.1974 and was regularized on 12.3.1984. The petitioner filed original application assailing the promotion of the petitioner effected on 12.1.1972 in the year 1995. This petition is barred by delay and laches. The petitioner has not explained the inordinate delay in filing the present petition. It is settled law by now that promotion orders are required to be challenged within a reasonable time of six months to one year. The valuable right has accrued to respondent No.2. His promotion cannot be unsettled after 36 years, as prayed for by the petitioner. The settled things cannot be unsettled. In view of this, the petition is dismissed on the ground of delay and laches. No costs. (Rajiv Sharma), J. March 26, 2009. (cr)