BALBIR SINGH BEDI vs STATE OF PUNJAB .

The Supreme Court held that the promotion criteria under Rule 8 of the Punjab Home Guard, Class-I Rules, 1988 mandates a 'seniority-cum-merit' basis, and the High Court erred in dismissing the appellant's claim for promotion by ignoring seniority. The Court emphasized that executive instructions issued after the occurrence of vacancies should not affect the promotion process. Consequently, the Court set aside the High Court's dismissal of the appellant's writ petition, thereby allowing his claim for promotion.