S. L. SACHDEV & ANR. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the Indian Posts & Telegraphs (Clerks in Savings Bank Control and Internal Check Organisation) Recruitment Rules, 1969, specifically Articles 16 and 309 of the Constitution of India. The Court held that the Director-General's directive limiting promotional posts for UDCs from Audit Offices to 10% for Selection Grade and 20% for Head Clerks was arbitrary and discriminatory, violating the principles of equality in service. The Court ruled in favor of the petitioners, emphasizing that promotion should be based solely on length of service and fitness, not on the source of recruitment.