STATE OF PUNJAB vs RAGHBIR CHAND SHARMA

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the High Court directing the State of Punjab to appoint the first respondent as Assistant Advocate General, emphasizing that once the second candidate in the select panel declined the appointment, the first respondent, being next in line, had a legitimate expectation to be offered the position. The Court reiterated that mere empanelment does not confer an absolute right to appointment, but in this case, the administrative circular from 1957 supported the claim. The appeal by the State was dismissed, affirming the High Court's ruling.