MOHAN LAL vs STATE OF H P

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Rule 11 of the H.P. Seniority Service Rules concerning the seniority of Excise and Taxation Inspectors. The Court held that candidates who pass the prescribed examination within two years from their appointment are entitled to seniority from the date of appointment, while those passing within the extended four-year period rank junior. The ruling clarified the implications of non-passing of the examination, allowing the state government to terminate services if the examination is not cleared within the stipulated time frames.