K. Samantaray vs National Insurance Co. Ltd

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of promotion denial under the 'Promotion Policy for Officers' of the National Insurance Company, emphasizing the distinction between merit-cum-seniority and seniority-cum-merit. The Court held that the policy allowed for merit to take precedence as one ascends the hierarchy, thus validating the employer's decision to deny promotion based on merit considerations. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the High Court's ruling that there was no illegality in the promotion process.