S.N. DHINGRA vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court held that the inclusion of certain respondents in the Gradation List of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service was erroneous as it did not adhere to the principles established in O.P. Singla's case (1984 (4) SCC 450) regarding seniority based on continuous length of service. The Court emphasized that seniority should not be determined by the quota and rota system but rather by the actual service rendered, particularly for those promoted after proper consultation with the High Court. The Court quashed the High Court's gradation list and directed a re-evaluation of seniority in accordance with the principles laid down in the aforementioned case and the Constitution Bench ruling in Rudra Kumar Sain (2000 (8) SCC 25).