RAMESH CHANDRA SHARMA vs THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of seniority fixation under the Madhya Pradesh Class III (Non-Ministerial) Forest Service Recruitment Rules, 1967. The Court upheld the Tribunal's view that inter-se seniority for promotions from Forester to Deputy Ranger should be based on the original seniority in the Forester cadre, irrespective of the timing of promotions, to prevent unfair advantages due to fortuitous circumstances. The Court ruled that the seniority list should be maintained to protect the interests of senior Foresters, thereby affirming the Tribunal's decision and reversing the High Court's judgment.