Judgment Heard the parties. 2. The petitioner is a retired employee of Bharat Coking Coal Limited, who superannuated on and from 1st March, 2002. His claim is that prior to his superannuation, he was not granted promotion at an appropriate time though his juniors were given such promotions. According to him, he was entitled to promotion in L-8 Grade w.e.f. 13.12.1996 and in L-9 Grade w.e.f. 31.12.2000. 3. From the statements made in the counter affidavit, it appears that the case of the petitioner for promotion to the higher grade to the post of HLT P-4 (Regular Grade) was considered and he was granted promotion on that Grade w.e.f. 09.02.1976. He was further promoted to HLT N-5 (regular grade) w.e.f. 17.11.1984. It is also stated that the case of the petitioner was considered by the departmental promotion committee and considering some adverse performance report, the departmental promotion committee did not find him fit for promotion at that time which was however subsequently given on 17.11.1984 when he was found suitable. 4. From the statements made in the counter affidavit, it appears that the case of the petitioner was considered and when he was found suitable, he was promoted. It is well settled that the employee cannot claim promotion as a matter of right. He can only claim that his case may be considered for promotion but the respondents cannot be directed to give him promotion. 5. There is no dispute that the petitioner was superseded by five persons due to adverse service record and that was of the year 1982 and after such a long time, the petitioner cannot be allowed to raise the issue again. 6. Accordingly, I am not inclined to interfere with the matter at this stage after such a long delay. Consequently, this writ petition is dismissed.