M/S.R.K.DISTILLERIES vs GOVT.OF ANDHRA PRADESH

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of seniority between direct recruits and promotees in the Indian Economic and Statistical Services under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India. The Court held that promotees who held posts in Grade IV for 15 to 20 years in breach of quota rules could not be placed lower in seniority than direct recruits entering service after them. The ruling emphasized that the relaxation of quota rules by the government should not be assumed and must be explicitly provided for, thereby clarifying the application of seniority rules in the context of service appointments.