#Service Rules Interpretation

The Supreme Court affirmed that post-merger seniority for promotions must strictly follow the 3:1 reservation ratio mandated by G.O. (Ms.) No. 237, rejecting belated challenges filed after retirement. This ruling binds all government departments undergoing restructuring, ensuring seniority rights are tied to statutory promotion quotas, not ad hoc discretion.

The Meghalaya High Court has ruled that exclusive direct recruitment for Excise Inspector posts violates the mandatory 50-50 split between promotion and direct entry mandated by Rule 7(1)(c). This sets a precedent ensuring fair career progression for Assistant Inspectors and curbs arbitrary hiring practices in state excise services.

Uttarakhand High Court upholds an employer's interpretation of 'concerned trade' in recruitment rules as a valid clarification, not a rule change, provided it is not arbitrary. The ruling reinforces that such interpretations must be respected in the selection process, impacting public service recruitment and administrative law.