STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR vs JAVED IQBAL BALWAN .

The Supreme Court addressed a long-standing dispute regarding seniority between direct recruits and promotees in the J & K Revenue (Gazetted) Service. The Court held that the notional seniority granted to direct recruits from 1984 was valid, but it also emphasized that promotees must be regularized in accordance with statutory rules. The judgment clarified the importance of adhering to the prescribed conditions for appointments and promotions, ultimately upholding the High Court's decision favoring the direct recruits' claims for seniority.