DISTT. REGISTRAR PALGHAT & ORS. vs M. B. KOYYAKUTI & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the respondent, a lower division clerk, was entitled to promotion to upper division clerk based on Rule 28(b)(ii) of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1958, which mandates promotions based on seniority and fitness. The Court found that the exemption from educational qualifications granted to the respondent for appointment did not negate his right to promotion based on seniority. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the division bench's order to promote the respondent, thereby upholding Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution regarding equality in public employment.