Ram Shankar Bhattacharjee vs Gauhati High Court & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the seniority of employees in the Gauhati High Court is determined by the date of appointment and confirmation, as per the Gauhati High Court (Appointment, Conditions of Service & Conduct) Rules, 1967. The Court found that the appellant, Ram Shankar Bhattacharjee, was appointed on 12.6.1987 and confirmed later than respondents 4 and 5, who were appointed earlier and confirmed sooner. Therefore, the Court upheld the Division Bench's decision that the appellant was junior to respondents 4 and 5, affirming the principle that seniority is based on appointment dates rather than subsequent promotions.