B.R. RAMABHADRIAH vs SECRETARY, FOOD & AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT ANDHRA PRADESH &OR

The Supreme Court held that under Article 226 of the Constitution, a court is competent to grant smaller relief than claimed in a writ petition if it serves the interests of justice. The Court emphasized that it can consider changed circumstances and mold the relief accordingly, rather than deny it on technical grounds. The Court allowed the appeal, reversing the Division Bench's decision, and directed the modification of the gradation list to reflect the appellant's seniority over the 6th respondent.