GHULAM RASOOL LONE vs STATE OF J & K

The Supreme Court held that the Division Bench of the High Court erred in denying the petitioner relief based on delay and laches, despite the petitioner's name being recommended for promotion. The Court emphasized that the principle of equal treatment under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution must be upheld, but not at the cost of legality. The Court found that the promotion of Hamiddulah Dar was illegal due to the relaxation of recruitment rules without proper authority, thus reinforcing the need for adherence to legal standards in promotions.