S.L. CHOPRA vs STATE OF HARYANA .

The Supreme Court held that under Rule 2(12)(a) of the Haryana Service of Engineers, Class I, P.W.D. (Public Health Branch) Rules, 1961, only direct recruits appointed to cadre posts are considered members of the service from their date of appointment. The Court clarified that promotees, who were officiating as Executive Engineers, do not become members until they are substantively appointed to a cadre post. The Court dismissed the appeals challenging the promotions and seniority fixation, affirming the High Court's decision that the appellants lacked locus standi to contest the promotions of the respondent appointed by direct recruitment.