As per case facts, petitioners, employees of the Water Resources Department, Punjab, obtained Engineering Diplomas via Distance Education from universities like KSOU with department permission. Conditionally promoted to Junior Engineer, ... they were later reverted based on AICTE's non-recognition of ODL engineering diplomas. Petitioners challenged this, arguing their State University diplomas didn't require mandatory AICTE approval and that reversion after long service was arbitrary. The question arose whether engineering diplomas obtained via distance learning are valid and recognized for promotion, considering AICTE's consistent non-recognition. Finally, the High Court ruled that Engineering Diplomas acquired via distance education are neither valid nor recognized for employment or promotion, as AICTE does not approve such courses due to practical training needs. However, due to the employer's inconsistent conduct and resulting hardship, the Court directed creating supernumerary posts for affected petitioners (those who served long, were under interim orders, or retired) in a dying cadre, excluding fresh promotions or additional benefits based on these diplomas.