KUTTIYAPPAN vs U O I

The Supreme Court upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal's decision regarding seniority disputes under the Indian Railway Establishment Manual. The Court clarified that Rule 302 and Rule 306 govern seniority based on the date of appointment and joining the working post, respectively. It held that the selection process's timing does not affect seniority, emphasizing that direct recruits' seniority begins from their date of joining, while promotees' seniority is based on their promotion date.