RESERVE BANK OF INDIA vs N. C. PALIWAL & OTHERS

The Supreme Court examined the Combined Seniority Scheme introduced by the Reserve Bank of India under Article 14 of the Constitution, which aimed to equalize opportunities for confirmation and promotion among clerks. The Court held that the separate seniority lists for different departments violated the equal opportunity clause, as it adversely affected clerks in the General Department. The Court affirmed the right of the State to integrate cadres and lay down principles of seniority, emphasizing the need for equal treatment in promotions and confirmations across departments.