M.M. THOMAS vs UNION OF INDIA .

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal, affirming that the appellants were ineligible for promotion to the post of Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer due to lack of requisite experience in the Kerala region as mandated by the governing rules. The Court clarified that the requirement of five years' regular service must be fulfilled in the respective region for eligibility. Consequently, the appeals were dismissed, affirming the Tribunal's order to consider the private party respondents for promotion instead.