UNION OF INDIA vs F.H. DUBASH

The Supreme Court held that the Delhi High Court erred in granting promotion to the respondent to the rank of Rear Admiral based solely on his merit list position, as the Promotion Board was only considering one vacancy. The Court emphasized that the Navy Order 4/99 and the Directorate Business Rules, 2001 dictate that promotions must adhere to specific modalities, which were not followed in this case. Consequently, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order, reinforcing the importance of established promotion procedures within the Navy.