HARJEET SINGH ETC. vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the Indian Police Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, particularly Rule 3(3)(b), and the Indian Police Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Regulations, 1955. The Court held that the continuous officiating service in cadre posts must be considered for fixing the year of allotment and seniority, and that non-cadre service does not constitute a break in service. The Court directed the Union and Punjab Governments to redetermine the year of allotment and seniority of the appellants, thereby upholding the principles of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution.