S.SREEDHAR REDDY vs GOVT.OF A.P. .

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of seniority among Station Fire Officers (SFOs) appointed through direct recruitment under the Andhra Pradesh Fire Subordinate Service Rules. The Court held that the failure of the government to conduct the third mandatory test for SFOs, as required by Rule 12, invalidated the provisional seniority list that placed the appellants below the private respondents. Consequently, the Court quashed the memorandum dated 22.05.2012 and restored the seniority of the appellants, emphasizing the need for adherence to the rules governing recruitment and promotion.