MACP-II Benefit: CAT Bengaluru Clarifies Impact of Promotion Refusal
🏛️ CAT Bengaluru Directs Grant of MACP-II Benefit After Completion of Promotion Debarment Period
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Bangalore Bench, Bengaluru, in its order dated 28 September 2026, has directed the Department of Posts to consider granting MACP-II benefit to a Postal Assistant after completion of the one-year debarment period arising from refusal of promotion.
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📌 Case Details
The applicant had been granted MACP-I with effect from 02.07.2009 after completion of 10 years of service. He was subsequently offered promotion to LSG SBCO but declined the promotion on multiple occasions due to personal reasons.
⚖️ Tribunal's Observations
The Tribunal considered the provisions of Para 24 of the DoPT OM dated 22.10.2019, which provide that when an employee refuses promotion after receiving financial upgradation, further financial upgradation can be deferred to the extent of the period of debarment arising from such refusal.
The Tribunal relied upon its earlier decision in OA No.248/2024 – Nagendra G. vs. Union of India & Others, where it was held that the effect of refusal of promotion is limited to the applicable period of debarment. The earlier decision noted that the period of debarment in the case was one year from the date of declination.
The Tribunal further observed that the last refusal of promotion in the cited case was on 8 August 2022, and the one-year period of debarment expired on 7 August 2023.
✅ Final Decision
Following the above legal principle, the CAT Bangalore Bench held that the applicant is eligible for MACP-II with effect from 15.07.2023, i.e., after completion of the applicable one-year debarment period, subject to fulfilment of other eligibility conditions, including APAR-related requirements.
The respondents have been directed to consider the applicant's representations dated 19.10.2023, 10.09.2024 and 16.04.2025 and grant MACP-II from 15.07.2023, along with consequential benefits, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions. The OA was accordingly allowed to the extent indicated by the Tribunal, with no order as to costs.
📢 Key Takeaway for Employees
The order highlights that refusal of promotion does not necessarily result in permanent denial of the next MACP benefit. As per the principle considered by the Tribunal, the financial upgradation may be deferred for the applicable period of debarment, after which eligibility can arise subject to fulfilment of other MACP conditions.
⚠️ Note: This article summarizes the specific CAT Bengaluru order and should not be treated as a general determination of MACP eligibility in every case.