O.P. SINGLA & ANR. ETC vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court addressed the inter-se seniority of promoted officers and direct recruits in the Delhi Higher Judicial Service under the Delhi Judicial Service Rules, 1970. It held that seniority must be determined based on the order of rotation of vacancies as prescribed in Rule 8, which mandates that the first available vacancy is filled by a direct recruit followed by promotees. The Court clarified that promoted officers cannot be ranked lower than direct recruits appointed later, thus ensuring adherence to Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India regarding equality and non-discrimination in public employment.