M.AMANULLAH KHAN vs GOVT. OF INDIA .

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 without a certificate from the Government of Tamil Nadu as per Explanation 4 to Rule 3(2)(c) of the Indian Forest Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, 1968, the officiation in cadre posts cannot be considered for seniority. The Court emphasized that the appellant, being a non-cadre officer, could not claim seniority based on his officiation beyond six months without necessary approvals as mandated by Rule 9 of the Indian Forest Service (Cadre) Rules, 1966. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, affirming the CAT's ruling.