THE GOVT. OF AP vs P. BHASKAR .

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of seniority among Deputy Collectors appointed under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Service (Executive Branch) Rules, 1992, framed under Article 309 of the Constitution. The Court held that the appointment process, which included both direct recruitment and promotions, must adhere to the provisions of Rule 22 of the Andhra Pradesh State and Subordinate Service Rules, particularly concerning reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Court upheld the decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court regarding the seniority of candidates appointed in 1994 over those appointed in 1993, affirming the need for compliance with the established recruitment rules and reservation policies.