State Of Jammu & Kashmir & Ors vs Javed Iqbal Balwan & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the seniority dispute between direct recruits and promotees in the J & K Revenue (Gazetted) Service, emphasizing the need for adherence to statutory rules governing promotions and appointments. The Court held that the notional seniority granted to direct recruits from 1984 was valid, but it must not violate the quota provisions for promotees. The judgment reaffirmed the principle that seniority must be determined based on the rules in force and the actual service rendered, ultimately upholding the High Court's decision favoring the direct recruits' claims.