GANGA RAM & ORS. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the provisions of the Indian Railways Establishment Manual, specifically para 20(b) of Chapter 11, do not violate Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India. The Court established that while equality of opportunity in services includes promotions, it allows for reasonable rules for selection and promotion based on intelligible differentia. The classification between direct recruits and promotees is justified as it relates to the efficiency of the Accounts Department, thus upholding the seniority-cum-merit principle in promotions.