P.S.GOPINATHAN vs STATE OF KERALA .

The Supreme Court held that promotions in service must be based on merit and ability, rather than solely on seniority, as established in the case of the appellant versus respondents No. 3 to 5. The Court found that the appellant's claim for selection grade and super-time scale was not justified, as the respondents were deemed more meritorious and had been promoted earlier. The Court also ruled that the appellant was estopped from challenging the conditions of his appointment after accepting them, affirming the High Court's decision.