ARVINDER SINGH BAINS vs STATE OF PUNJAB .

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's dismissal of the appellant's LPA, affirming that the seniority of PCS officers is governed by Rule 21 of the 1976 Rules, which refers to Rule 18 regarding the order of appointment. The Court clarified that delays in filling vacancies do not entitle direct recruits to higher seniority over promotees appointed during that period. The judgment emphasized that seniority must be determined based on the order of appointment as stipulated in the relevant rules, thereby rejecting the appellant's claims for higher placement in the seniority list.