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

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of inter se seniority among police officers, specifically regarding promotions under the Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules. The Court held that unless a person is formally promoted, they cannot claim substantive promotion merely based on being included in a promotion list. The Court upheld the High Court's decision that the appellants, who were appointed as Sub-Inspectors on 25.04.1979, should be considered senior to those promoted after that date, thereby affirming the principle that seniority is determined by the date of formal appointment rather than retrospective promotions.