IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. CWP No. 3699 of 2011 Decided on: May 24, 2011. Madhu Sudan Bhardwaj. Vrs. State of H.P. & ors. Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kurian Joseph, Chief Justice The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Karol, Judge. For the petitioner: Mr. Trilok Jamwal, Advocate. For the Respondents: Mr. R.K. Bawa, AG with Mr. J.K. Verma, Dy. AG for respondents No. 1 & 2. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Justice Kurian Joseph, C.J. (Oral) The writ petition is filed with the following prayers:- “a) That the writ in the nature of certiorari may kindly be issued by quashing the impugned rejection order dated 8.2.2011 (Annexure P-7). b) That the writ of mandamus may kindly be issued by directing the respondent No. 1 to 4 to grant step up to the petitioner after completion of five years in the selection grade i.e. 14-7-2001 and fix the pay at the rate of Rs. 14940/- from this date when similarly situate person has been granted the same i.e. respondent no-5 with all consequential benefits alongwith arrears and interest on the amount due and payable to the petitioner at the rate of 18% per annum. c) That the writ of mandamus may kindly be issued by directing the respondent No. 1 to grant the step up to the petitioner, if the same has been granted to the respondent no-5 and No-6 from the due date.” 2. The matter has to be considered by the first respondent. There will be direction to the first respondent to look into the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with law with notice to the petitioner, respondents No. 3 to 6 and any other affected or interested party. This shall be done within a period of three months from the date of production of copy of this judgment along with copy of the writ petition by the petitioner. A copy each of the writ petition and 2 the judgment shall be supplied by the petitioner to respondents No. 3 to 6. We make it clear that first respondent being the competent authority, the matter shall be considered with an open mind ignoring the stand already taken by the Principal. 3. The writ petition is disposed of, so also the pending application(s), if any. Copy Dasti. (Justice Kurian Joseph), Chief Justice. May 24, 2011. ( Justice Sanjay Karol ), (karan/vs) Judge.