M.G. Badappanavar And Anr. Etc vs State Of Karnataka And Ors

The Supreme Court held that the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal erred in its interpretation of seniority rules under Article 16(1) & (4) and the Karnataka Government Servants (Seniority) Rules, 1957. The Court reaffirmed the principles established in Ajit Singh II v. State of Punjab, [1999] 7 SCC 209, stating that general candidates should not be denied seniority over reserved candidates who were promoted earlier at roster points. The appeals were allowed, and the Tribunal's decision was set aside, ensuring compliance with the established legal principles regarding seniority.