“A perusal of the documents on record shows that for promotion to the posts in question, a Board was constituted and the trade test was held on 26th August, 2005. While 8 applicants have not appeared in the same, the rest 4 did appear but could not qualify the trade test. While respondents No.4 to 10 were selected for the post of Packer, respondents 11 to 14 have been selected as Tent Menders. It is not disputed that out of the 12 applicants, 8 did not participate in the trade test. They have, therefore, no locus standi in the matter. Their plea that they had no sufficient time to apply, is not convincing, particularly, when others serving under the same 11 FOD had applied well in time. Nor, it is shown to us that they ever complained to the respondents in this regard. For promotion to the posts of Tent Menders and Packers, clearance of trade test is a pre-condition as per the Recruitment Rules, as noted above. Whosoever clears the same, has a right to promotion, irrespective of the fact that he may be lower in seniority. Thus, seniority alone would not entitle the applicants to claim promotion. The applicants have not alleged any malafide against any of the official respondents. It is settled law that courts should not sit in appeal over the selection made by the departmental
