STATE OF ORISSA & ANR. vs B. K. MOHAPATRA

The Supreme Court interpreted Rule 3(3)(b) of the Indian Police Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, 1954, determining that the second proviso does not govern the main rule but rather clarifies the conditions under which an officer's officiation is recognized for seniority. The Court held that the choice of date for fixing seniority must not be arbitrary or discriminatory, affirming that the respondent's continuous officiation prior to the Select List's approval should be considered for seniority. The judgment emphasized the need for fair and just criteria in determining seniority among officers.