UNION OF INDIA AND ANOTHER vs GAJENDRA SINGH, ETC., ETC.

The Supreme Court held that the reversion of a permanent Kanungo from the officiating post of Naib Tehsildar did not amount to a reduction in rank under Article 311(2) of the Constitution, as the appointment was of a transitory nature and terminable at any time. The Court found that the retention of junior Kanungos did not violate Articles 14 and 16, as they were either qualified or exempted from the departmental examination. The appeal was allowed, affirming the decision that the respondent was not entitled to continue in the post without passing the requisite examination.