CONAL BIHIMAPPA vs STATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS.

The Supreme Court addressed the inter se seniority dispute between direct recruits and promotees in the Karnataka Administrative Service under the relevant Recruitment Rules. The Court emphasized the necessity of adhering to the quota system as established in V.P. Badami v. State of Mysore, mandating that two-thirds of vacancies be filled by promotion and one-third by direct recruitment. The Court allowed the appeals of direct recruits, affirming that the gradation list must be adjusted according to the principles laid out in Badami's case, while dismissing the promotees' appeals, thereby reinforcing the quota system's application.