FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING IN CHIEF vs M.A. RAJANI

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal, stating that the respondent was entitled to appointment by direct recruitment to a reserved vacancy under the Ministry of Defence Recruitment of Stenographer (Grade III) Rules. The Court clarified that once the sources of promotion and transfer were exhausted, direct recruitment was permissible, and the dereservation of the post was illegal. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, affirming the Tribunal's directive for the respondent's appointment.