Syed T.A. Naqshbandi & Ors vs State Of Jammu & Kashmir & Ors

The Supreme Court, while adjudicating a writ petition under Article 32, held that the grant of selection grade and super-time scale to the third respondent was arbitrary and violated Article 16 of the Constitution of India. The Court emphasized that promotions must adhere to established criteria and seniority, particularly in the context of judicial appointments. Consequently, the Court quashed the orders granting such promotions to the third respondent and directed the authorities to reconsider the claims of the petitioners for selection grade and super-time scale based on merit and seniority.