STATE OF J & K vs SAT PAL

The Supreme Court held that the respondent, Sat Pal, was entitled to appointment as Junior Engineer (Civil) Grade-II based on the merit list and the non-joining of a candidate above him, Trilok Nath, who had declined the offer. The Court emphasized that the waiting list was valid for one year as per the prevalent rules, and the State's failure to contest the claims in the High Court led to an inference in favor of the respondent. Consequently, the Court upheld the High Court's directive for the State to finalize Sat Pal's appointment within a specified timeframe, thereby affirming his right to the position.