MANOHAR LAL JAT vs THE STATE OF RAJASTHAN

The Supreme Court upheld the Rajasthan High Court's decision regarding the seniority of Tax Assistants, affirming that direct recruits (DRs) cannot claim seniority over departmental promotes (DPs) as per the Rajasthan Commercial Taxes Subordinate Services General Branch Rules, 1975. The Court noted that the rules clearly delineate the recruitment process, with 80% of posts filled by direct recruitment and 20% by departmental promotion, thus establishing the legal principle that seniority is determined by the order of appointment. The Court dismissed the appeals of the DRs, maintaining the seniority list published by the department.