STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR vs ASHOK KUMAR GUPTA .

The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, condoning the delay in filing by the respondents, emphasizing that the explanation for the delay was proper and necessary to prevent public injustice. The Court noted that the respondents, despite being appointed under the J & K Medical Education (Gazetted) Services Recruitment Rules, 1979, had not completed the requisite 7 years of service for time-bound promotion as per Government Order No. 517-HME of 1987. The matter was remitted to the High Court for fresh disposal on merits according to law.