UNION OF INDIA vs MOHAN LAL CAPOOR & OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that the Selection Committee failed to comply with Regulation 5(5) of the I.A.S./I.P.S. (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1955, which mandates recording reasons for supersession of officers. The Court emphasized that seniority should be the dominant factor in promotions, with merit being secondary. The High Court's decision to quash the select lists was upheld, affirming that the State Government lacked the authority to issue reversion orders without proper justification.