K.V. SUBBA RAO & ORS. ETC. vs GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Andhra Pradesh Revenue Subordinate Service Rules, 1961, specifically Rule 4(e), which governs the inter se seniority between direct recruits and promotees as not operating retrospectively. The Court emphasized that the State has the authority to determine seniority and that Rule 33(a) of the Andhra Pradesh State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1962, should be interpreted to mean that seniority is based on continuous appointment. The appeals and writ petitions challenging the Tribunal's directions were dismissed, affirming the State's discretion in seniority matters under Article 309 of the Constitution of India.