HARTWELL PRESCOTT SINGH vs THE UTTAR PRADESH GOVERNMENTAND OTHERS.

The Supreme Court held that reversion from a temporary post does not constitute a reduction in rank unless the post held is substantive and the reversion is by way of penalty. The Court clarified that termination of service under the conditions of service rules does not equate to dismissal or removal under Article 311 of the Constitution. The appellant's claim that his reversion amounted to a penalty was rejected, affirming the validity of the termination as per the service rules.