STATE OF UTTARANCHAL vs DINESH KUMAR SHARMA

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to grant discretionary relief to the respondent regarding his promotion under the U.P. Agricultural Group II Service Rules, 1995. The Court emphasized that Rule 21 mandates that the date of substantive appointment is crucial for promotion eligibility, and the respondent's claims for seniority and promotion were valid despite previous rejections. The Court directed the government to reconsider the respondent's promotion with all consequential benefits, reinforcing the principle of fair administrative action under Article 14 of the Constitution.