STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH & ANR. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS. ETC.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 82(6) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1956, the Himachal Pradesh government cannot change the date of upgradation of officers without the Central Government's sanction. The Court upheld the High Court's decision to set aside the two seniority lists and the promotions, affirming that the appellants should be equated with the Inspectors of Himachal Pradesh and that seniority should be based on continuous appointment in an equated post. The Court emphasized the necessity of following the established rules for promotions and seniority in accordance with the Act.