PALURE BHASKAR RAO ETC.ETC. vs P.RAMASESHAIAH & ORS. ETC.

The Supreme Court addressed the conflict between seniority and eligibility in the context of the Andhra Pradesh Police Subordinate Service Rules. It held that the appointment by transfer from Reserve Sub-Inspector to Sub-Inspector (Civil) is governed by Rule 15 of the Subordinate Service Rules, which stipulates that seniority is determined by the date of first appointment and not by the transfer. The Court clarified that the transfer does not constitute a first appointment for seniority purposes, thereby upholding the statutory framework governing appointments and seniority in the police service.