UNION OF INDIA vs SANGRAM KESHARI NAYAK

The Supreme Court interpreted a circular letter dated 21.01.1993 concerning the promotion of government servants under disciplinary proceedings. The Court held that the term 'Government Servant under cloud' includes those against whom a chargesheet has been issued, thereby justifying the sealed cover procedure adopted by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC). The Court upheld the High Court's decision that the respondent was entitled to promotion from the date his junior was appointed, as the disciplinary proceedings were initiated after the DPC's recommendations.