IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. CWP (T) No.: 2700/2008 Decided on:16.4.2009 O.P. Sharma. …Petitioner. Versus State of Himachal Pradesh and others. …Respondents. Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajiv Sharma, J. Whether approved for reporting ?1. No. For the petitioner : Mr. Bhuvnesh Sharma, Advocate. For the Respondents : Mr. R.K. Sharma, Sr. Addl. A.G. with Mr. Rajinder Dogra, Addl. A.G. Mr. Vikas Rathore, Deputy Advocate General. Rajiv Sharma, J.( oral) The present petition has been filed for counting the ad hoc period rendered by the petitioner as Upper Division Clerk with effect from October, 1972 to 16th September, 1976. The seniority list was issued on 15th February, 1986. The present petition was filed for counting of ad hoc services in the year 1995. The petitioner has not explained the inordinate delay in filing the petition though the cause of action had arisen in the month of February, 1986. It is settled law by now that settled things should not be unsettled. The seniority was determined in the month of February, 1986 and the same cannot be disturbed at this belated stage. 1 Whether the reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment? No. 2 The petitioner ought to have filed the petition within a reasonable period of one to two years after the accrual of the cause of action. Accordingly, the petition is dismissed on the ground of delay of laches. There will, however, be no order as to costs. 16.4.2009 (Rajiv Sharma ), J. *awasthi*