AMARJEET SINGH vs DEVI RATAN

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of the seniority list dated 12.7.2000 for Excise Inspectors, which was quashed by the Allahabad High Court. The Court held that the promotion criteria under the U.P. Excise Service (Class-II) Rules, 1970, had shifted from 'merit' to 'seniority subject to rejection of unfit' as per the amended Rules 1992. The Court emphasized that promotions must adhere to the criteria in place at the time of the vacancies, thereby upholding the High Court's decision to quash the seniority list and restore the previous order regarding promotions based on merit for vacancies prior to the amendment.