STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs JAGANNATH ACHYUT KARANDIKAR

The Supreme Court held that the Maharashtra State Subordinate Secretariat Service Rules, particularly the 1951 and 1962 Rules, stipulate that passing the departmental examination is a prerequisite for promotion to the cadre of Superintendents. The Court ruled that the government must adhere to these rules and cannot promote juniors over seniors who have not passed the examination, thus upholding the principles of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution regarding equality and non-discrimination in public employment. The Court allowed the appeals filed by the State of Maharashtra, reversing the High Court's directives to recast the seniority list.