BALBIR SINGH vs STATE OF H.P.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Tribunal, affirming the reversion of the appellant from the post of Junior Engineer to Electrician Grade-I. The Court found that the promotion was made erroneously under the mistaken belief that reservation for Scheduled Tribe candidates was permissible for the post, which was not supported by the Himachal Pradesh P.W.D. Subordinate Services Class-II Junior Engineer (Electrical) (Technical) Recruitment Rules, 1979. The Court clarified that since 90% of the posts are to be filled by direct recruitment, the reservation roster does not apply in this case, leading to the dismissal of the appellant's appeal.