Y.NAJITHAMOL vs SOUMYA S.D..

The Supreme Court upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal's ruling that appointments from Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) to the Postman position are to be made through promotion rather than direct recruitment, thereby invalidating the application of age restrictions and reservations for OBC candidates under the Department of Posts Recruitment Rules, 1989. The Court emphasized that the recruitment process is merit-based and does not allow for reservation in this context, affirming the Tribunal's decision that the appointments of the appellants were legally untenable. The Court's holding clarifies the interpretation of recruitment rules concerning promotions and reservations under Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution of India.