Sheikh Abdul Rashid & Ors vs State Of J&K & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of seniority among police officers, specifically regarding the promotion of respondents with retrospective effect from 25.04.1978, as per the Jammu and Kashmir Government's notification. The Court held that mere inclusion in a promotion list does not equate to substantive promotion unless formal orders are issued. It affirmed the High Court's decision that the appellants, appointed as Sub-Inspectors on 25.04.1979, are senior to those promoted after this date, thereby upholding the principle that seniority is determined by the actual date of appointment and not by retrospective promotions.