SAWAN RAM MALRA vs UNION OF INDIA .

The Supreme Court ruled that the appellant, a Head Sorting Assistant in the Railway Mails Service, is not eligible for promotion to Postal Superintendents/Postmasters Group ‘B’ posts under the 6% quota reserved for General Line Officials as per the Postal Superintendent/Postmasters Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules, 1987. The Court upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal's decision, confirming that only General Line Officials working in Post Offices are eligible for this promotion, as clarified by departmental communications. The Court's holding emphasizes the strict interpretation of eligibility criteria under the 1987 Rules.