Y.Najithamol & Ors vs Soumya S.D.& Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal, affirming that the appointment of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) to the post of Postman is by promotion and not direct recruitment, thus invalidating the application of age restrictions and OBC reservations under the Department of Posts Recruitment Rules, 1989. The Court emphasized that the recruitment process is merit-based and that the previous ruling regarding direct recruitment was distinguished based on differing factual contexts. Consequently, the appointments of the appellants were deemed legally untenable as they were made against unreserved vacancies, violating Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution of India.