DR. A.K. JAIN & ORS. ETC.yETC. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court ruled that the termination of 'ad-hoc' Assistant Medical Officers by the Indian Railways was unjustified, as their appointments were extended multiple times and they had been officiating for significant periods. The Court emphasized that the Indian Railways Medical Department Recruitment Rules did not provide for 'ad-hoc' appointments, and the respondents failed to regularize the petitioners' services despite their prolonged tenure. The Court directed the respondents to treat the petitioners' appointments as regular and assign them seniority accordingly, thereby upholding their rights under Article 32 of the Constitution.