RAMESH K SHARMA vs RAJASTHAN CIVIL SERVICES

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of inter se seniority between direct recruits and surplus personnel absorbed as Sales Tax Officers under the Absorption of Surplus Personnel Rules, 1969. The Court held that seniority must be determined based on Rule 15 of the Absorption Rules, which considers the length of continuous substantive service in the relevant posts. The Court clarified that the comparability of posts and the substantive nature of prior appointments are crucial for seniority determination, ultimately upholding the principles outlined in the Absorption Rules.