MARKANDEY SINGH, I.P.S., & ORS. vs M.L. BHANOT, I.P.S., & ORS.

The Supreme Court examined the applicability of the Indian Police Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, specifically the second proviso to rule 3(3)(b), in determining the year of allotment for Shri Markandey Singh. The Court held that the Central Government's initial rejection of Singh's claim for seniority was valid due to lack of requisite approval from the Union Public Service Commission. However, it later accepted Singh's second representation, assigning him 1956 as the year of allotment, which was subsequently quashed by the High Court. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld the High Court's decision, affirming the importance of adherence to seniority rules in public service appointments.