R. P. KHANNA & ORS. vs S.A.F. ABBAS & ORS. ETC.

The Supreme Court interpreted Rule 3(3)(b) of the Indian Administrative Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules 1954, establishing that a promotee's officiation in a senior post prior to inclusion in the Select List requires prior approval from the Central Government and the Union Public Service Commission. The Court held that the retrospective declaration of a post as equivalent to a senior post by the State Government was not permissible without such approval. Consequently, the High Court's order restoring the year of allotment for the respondents was quashed, affirming the Union Government's revised seniority order.