P.S. MAHAL vs UNION OF INDIA, ETC.

The Supreme Court examined the constitutional validity of the Executive Engineers, Central Engineering and Central Electrical Engineering Service (Group A) (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, 1976, specifically Rules 2(ii) and 2(iv), in light of Articles 14 and 16(1) of the Constitution. The Court held that the rules violated the principles of equality and fair treatment in promotions, as they did not adhere to the prescribed quota for promotions from Assistant Executive Engineers and Assistant Engineers. Consequently, the Court ruled the seniority list dated August 14, 1975, as irregular and contrary to established guidelines, thereby invalidating the promotions made under the flawed rules.