(1) There shall be no de- reservation of any reserved vacancy by any appointing authority in any establishment, which is to be filled up by direct recruitment or by promotion. In case, a qualified or eligible Scheduled Castes or Backward Classes candidate, as the case may be, is not available to fill up such vacancy, in that situation, such vacancy shall remain unfilled.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), if, in the public interest, it is deemed necessary to fill up any vacancy referred to in that sub-section, the appointing authority shall refer the vacancy to the Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes for de- reservation. Upon such reference, the Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes may, if it is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, by order in writing, de-reserve the vacancy, subject to the condition that the vacancy so de-reserved, shall be carried forward against a subsequent unreserved vacancy.
8. If any officer or official is found guilty of committing any omission or commission in contravening the provisions of this Act, he shall be punishable under the provisions of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970 or any other relevant service Rules.
9. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the State Government or any officer of the State Government for anything, which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.