M. Amanullah Khan vs Government Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) regarding the seniority of the appellant in the Indian Forest Service, stating that the appellant's officiation in cadre posts did not qualify for seniority without the necessary approval from the Central Government and the UPSC as per Rule 9 of the Indian Forest Service (Cadre) Rules, 1966. The Court emphasized that the absence of a certificate as required by Explanation 4 to Rule 3(2)(c) of the Indian Forest Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, 1968 rendered the appellant's claim for seniority untenable. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, affirming the CAT's ruling.