R.S DASS ETC. ETC. vs UNION OF 'INDIA & ORS.,

The Supreme Court ruled that seniority does not confer an absolute legal right to promotion within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that promotions must be based solely on merit, and the Selection Committee is not required to provide reasons for the non-selection of senior candidates. The Court upheld the validity of the Indian Administrative Service (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1955, stating that the selection process must be objective and not arbitrary, thereby reinforcing the principles of natural justice in administrative actions.