R.K.SABHARWAL vs STATE OF PUNJAB .

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes under the Punjab Service of Engineers Class I P.W.D. (I.B.) Rules, 1964. The Court upheld the validity of the Punjab Government's instructions from May 4, 1974, which mandated a reservation of 16% of posts for these categories, affirming that such provisions are constitutional and do not violate Article 16 of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that promotions must be based on merit and suitability, but reservations are permissible to ensure representation of underprivileged groups.