K. RAJAIAH vs STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the appointment of the appellant as Sub-Inspector of Police (Civil) was not by way of transfer under Rule 15(c) of the Andhra Pradesh Police Subordinate Service Rules, but rather as a direct recruit. The Court affirmed the Tribunal's decision that the appellant's seniority should be calculated from the date of his appointment as Sub-Inspector, rejecting the claim for seniority based on prior service as Reserve Sub-Inspector. The ruling clarified the distinction between direct recruitment and transfer within the same service, emphasizing that recruitment by transfer applies only to different services.