STATE OF WEST BENGAL & ORS. ETC.ETC. vs SHRI AGHORE NATH DEY & ORS. ETC. ETC.

The Supreme Court examined the West Bengal Engineering Services Rules, 1959, particularly Rules 4, 9, 10-12, regarding the seniority of temporary Assistant Engineers appointed on an ad hoc basis. The Court held that ad hoc appointments do not confer seniority over those appointed through proper recruitment channels as specified in the Rules. It was determined that the period of ad hoc appointment cannot be counted for seniority, and the regularization of such appointments must comply with the established recruitment procedures under Article 309 of the Constitution.