The Supreme Court on Tuesday maintained an earlier decision, thus demoting 121 Punjab police officials who had been promoted out-of-turn.

The three-member bench headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim, while disposing off a petition filed by the affected police officials, provided the petitioners with an option to avail early retirement.

However, the petitioners did not opt for an early retirement following which the apex court withdrew their shoulder promotions.

The 121 officials also include nine senior-ranking officers, who were recommended for promotion by Punjab Promotion Board. The officers have been demoted to the same rank on which they were serving at the time of their out-of-turn promotions.

Earlier in 2013, the apex court had declared the out-of-turn promotions a violation of the Constitution and ruled that no police officer or civil servant was entitled to any such promotion on account of a gallantry award or otherwise.

During Tuesday's hearing Justice Hani observed that "those who jumped ahead will have to go back", and maintained that the "officials should be promoted on their turn".

The court also expressed displeasure over the role of Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and Advocate General Punjab in this matter.

Justice Qazi Faez asked the advocate general to explain that why the contempt of court notices should not be issued against him and the provincial law minister.