UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. vs M. RAVI VARMA AND ORS. ETC.

The Supreme Court held that the Office Memorandum dated December 20, 1959, which established seniority based on the date of confirmation, does not have retrospective effect and does not apply to those appointed before its issuance. The Court affirmed the High Court's decision that the seniority of Central Government servants appointed prior to the 1959 memorandum should be determined based on the length of service as per the earlier 1949 memorandum. Consequently, the appeals by the Union of India were dismissed, upholding the principle of seniority based on length of service for those affected.