MOHINDER SINGH vs STATE OF HARYANA & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that Inspectors/Sub-Inspectors in the Food and Supplies Department are considered 'executive officers' for the purpose of recruitment to the post of District Food and Supplies Officer, as conceded by the Department. The Court emphasized that the common parlance meaning of 'officer' should be applied, noting that even ministerial employees can be referred to as officers in service jurisprudence. The appellant was entitled to be considered for recruitment in 1980, and the State and Haryana Public Service Commission are mandated to reassess his qualifications accordingly.