The W.P.(C) 6047/2026 Delhi High Court Order concerns the challenge to the Final Seniority List issued pursuant to proceedings before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). . The order was passed on 08 May 2026 by the Division Bench comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Hon’ble Ms. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora.
The writ petition challenges proceedings connected with the Tribunal and the subsequent administrative actions relating to the seniority of the concerned employees. The matter came up before the High Court after the filing of the writ petition along with supporting documents placed on record.
Court Observations
At the outset, the Court observed that although the writ petition had been filed on 27 February 2026, the supporting affidavit was sworn on 09 March 2026, while certain annexed documents were dated 12 March 2026 and 18 March 2026, i.e., subsequent to the date of the affidavit.
Considering this procedural discrepancy, the Court directed the petitioners to file a proper affidavit within one week, subject to payment of ₹5,000 as costs to the Delhi High Court Advocates Welfare Trust.
Notice Issued to the Respondents
The Division Bench issued notice in the writ petition.
Counsel appearing for the Union of India, UPSC, and other respondents accepted notice before the Court. The parties also agreed to file written submissions along with the judicial precedents that they intended to rely upon during the hearing.
Final Seniority List Before the Court
During the hearing, the Court was informed that pursuant to the impugned order passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, a Final Seniority List dated 09 April 2026 had already been issued.
Taking note of this development, the Court proceeded to pass an important interim direction regarding the operation of the seniority list.
Interim Protection Granted
The Delhi High Court directed that:
Any action taken pursuant to the Final Seniority List dated 09 April 2026 shall remain subject to the outcome of the present writ petition.
This interim direction ensures that while administrative actions may continue, their legal effect will ultimately depend upon the final adjudication of the writ petition by the High Court.
The order protects the rights of all parties pending final determination of the issues involved without expressing any final opinion on the merits of the case.
Legal Background
The dispute originates from proceedings before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) concerning the preparation and implementation of the seniority list. Following the Tribunal’s order, the Final Seniority List dated 09 April 2026 was published, giving rise to the present writ proceedings before the Delhi High Court.
The petitioners have questioned the legality and consequences of the Tribunal’s decision and the subsequent administrative actions taken on its basis. The High Court has now initiated judicial scrutiny of those issues through the present writ petition.
Procedural Significance
An important aspect of this order relates to procedural compliance in writ proceedings.
The Court specifically noted that the affidavit supporting the writ petition did not correspond with the dates of certain annexed documents. Such observations highlight the importance of properly verified pleadings and authenticated documents in constitutional proceedings.
Accordingly, the Court required the petitioners to file a fresh affidavit before proceeding further with the matter.
CAT Record Requisitioned
The Division Bench further directed that a soft copy of the record relating to O.A. No. 2586/2019 pending before the Central Administrative Tribunal be requisitioned before the next date of hearing.
The Tribunal’s record will assist the Court in examining the issues arising out of the impugned order and the subsequent publication of the seniority list.
Next Date of Hearing
The matter has been directed to be listed on 25 August 2026 for further proceedings.
By the next date, the parties are expected to place their written submissions and relevant judicial precedents before the Court for consideration.
Significance of the Order
This interim order is relevant from the perspective of service law and administrative law, particularly in matters relating to seniority disputes arising from proceedings before the Central Administrative Tribunal.
While the Court has not finally adjudicated upon the rights of the parties, it has clarified that any action taken pursuant to the Final Seniority List shall remain subject to the ultimate outcome of the writ petition.
The order also reiterates the importance of procedural compliance, proper pleadings and complete judicial records in proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
Case Details
Case: Divyanshu Kumar & Others vs. Union of India & Others
Court: Delhi High Court
Case No.: W.P.(C) 6047/2026
Date of Order: 08 May 2026
Bench:
- Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao
- Hon’ble Ms. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora
Next Date of Hearing: 25 August 2026
Disclaimer: This article is published solely for reporting judicial proceedings and legal developments. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or solicitation.