STATE OF PUNJAB vs HIRALAL & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes in promotions under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India, affirming that such reservations can apply to both initial appointments and promotions. The Court clarified that while these reservations introduce an element of discrimination, they are justified in the interest of societal equity. The burden of proof lies on those challenging the reservation to demonstrate its inconsistency with Article 16(1), which guarantees equality of opportunity. The Court found no evidence that the reservation order violated Article 16(1).