Rani Laxmibai Kshetriya Gramin Bank& ... vs Manoj Kumar Chak Etc

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to set aside Circular No. 17 of 2009 and Circular dated 12th July, 2010, which excluded employees from promotion consideration based on a 'D' rating or misconduct within the preceding five years. The Court emphasized that such exclusion violates the principles of fair play and natural justice as outlined in the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, particularly Sections 17 and 29, which govern the terms and conditions of service. The Court held that all eligible employees within the zone of consideration must be assessed for promotion without arbitrary exclusions.