Prabhu Dayal Khandelwal vs Chairman, U.P.S.C. & Ors

The Supreme Court ruled that the promotion of Prabhu Dayal Khandelwal from Commissioner to Chief Commissioner of Income Tax was denied based on his Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), where he was graded 'good' in three out of five reports, failing to meet the 'very good' benchmark set by DoPT guidelines. The Court held that uncommunicated ACRs could not be used against the appellant, thereby upholding the Administrative Tribunal's directive for reconsideration of his promotion. The Court ordered the respondents to conduct a Review DPC meeting and recommend his case for promotion within specified timelines, ensuring he receives all consequential benefits.