vs

The Supreme Court held that the sealed cover procedure is applicable when a decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a government servant has been taken, as per the principles established in Union of India v. K. V. Jankiraman [1991] 4 SCC 109. The Court clarified that even if a government servant is recommended for promotion by the D.P.C., they cannot be promoted unless exonerated if disciplinary proceedings are initiated prior to the D.P.C. meeting. The Court allowed the appeal, affirming the legality of the sealed cover procedure in this context.