K.R. Lakshman & Ors vs Karnataka Electricity Board & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of the Karnataka Electricity Board Recruitment and Promotion Regulations, 1969, as amended on 3.2.1982, which established a 1:1 promotion ratio between technically qualified direct recruits and technically unqualified promotees for the post of Junior Engineer. The Court held that the amendment was discriminatory and arbitrary, violating Article 14 of the Constitution, as it lacked a rational basis for favoring unqualified promotees over qualified direct recruits. Consequently, the Court upheld the Single Judge's decision and set aside the Division Bench's ruling of the Karnataka High Court.