STATE OF U.P. vs SANTOSH KUMAR MISHRA

The Supreme Court held that the U.P. Pharmacists Service Rules, 1980, specifically Rule 15(2), mandates that appointments should be made batchwise based on the date of diploma acquisition, irrespective of merit. The Court found that the State Government's inconsistent application of these rules, favoring earlier diploma holders while denying the same benefit to later diploma holders, violated the principles of fairness and equality. Consequently, the Court directed the State to adhere to the established rules and ensure that the Respondents are appointed according to their batch order.