Holding

Reservation in promotion may grant accelerated promotion but not accelerated seniority; seniority is determined by the original panel position, and the roster ceases once the prescribed quota of posts is filled.

Summary

The Supreme Court examined the application of reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes within the Indian Railway Guard and other railway cadres, focusing on whether accelerated promotion under a roster also confers accelerated seniority. General‑category candidates challenged promotions that gave reserved‑category employees earlier advancement, arguing that seniority should be based on the original grade‑C seniority list. The Court held that the Railway Board’s circulars, which limit the effect of reservation to accelerated promotion only and preserve seniority based on the initial panel, are valid and prevail over general service manuals. It clarified that once the prescribed percentage of posts is filled, the roster ceases to operate and reservation must be applied to posts, not vacancies. The Court also reiterated that Article 16(4) does not justify reservation in promotion beyond the limited benefit recognized. Consequently, the appeals were dismissed and the matters remanded to the tribunals to apply the clarified principles prospectively.

Issues considered

The extent to which reservation in promotion under Article 16(4) can affect seniority between general and reserved‑category candidates.
Whether the Railway Board’s circulars on roster‑based promotion override the Indian Railway Establishment Manual provisions on seniority.
Whether reservation should be applied to posts or to vacancies once the quota is satisfied.
Whether accelerated promotion under a reservation roster confers accelerated seniority.

Legislation cited

Constitution of Indias. Article 16(4), s. Article 335

Subjects

reservationpromotionseniorityArticle 16(4)railway servicerosterequalityaffirmative action

Judgment

A UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ETC.
r.
V!RPAL SINGH CHAUHAN ETC.

OCTOBER IO. 1995

B 1s.c. AGARWAL AND B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, JJ.I

Constitzaion of India-Article 16(4)--ResC1vation-E.xtent and nalllrc
of--U!Jietlter 1Je1111issible for Govcnuncnt to decide-Rese1vation provided as
a li111ited benefit-Hl/1ether constitutionaf-Seroice Law.
c
Constitution of India-Article 16(4)--Reservation Ill promo-
tio11-Ul/1ct/1cr confers seniolity also---Rese1ved candidate pronioted earlier to
general candidate on the basis of roster in Railways-Whether rese1ved can-
didate beconzes seniol'-Se1vice Law.

D Constitution of lndia-A1tic/e 16(4)--Rese1vation i11 promotion-Ob-
ject of-Roste1~Applicatio11 of-All reserved posts in a grade filled by
rese1ved candidates-Whether roster applicable thereafte1~Service Laiv.

Constitution of India-Article 16(4)-Reservation in promo-
E tion-W71etl1er in relation to 11osts or to vacancies-Se1vice Law.

In the present case, the manner in \\·hich reservation was applied by
the Raih\-·ay Authorities for promotion to a higher grad~ \\-'as challenged
by the general category candidates. There are four grades of guards in the
Raihva)'S Grades 'C', 'B', 'A' and 'A' special. Initial recruitment is n1ade to
F Grade '(''. Pro111otion is 111ade to higher grades on the basis of seniority-
cu1n-suitability. 22.5 percent posts are reserved for Scheduled Cas-
tes/Scheduled Tribes candidates .in promotion. A 100 point roster was
prepared for giving etl'ect to reservation in promotion posts. Seniority in
,
a grade was determined on the basis of _date of promotion in that grade
G and a reserved category canclidatt! pro1noted earlier than a general
category candidate on the basis of roster \\-'as considered senior to the
general category candidate even though he ma,y be junior to the general
category candidate in the lo\.'t'er grade.

Para 306 of the Indian Railway Establishment Manual provided that
H candidates selected for appoint1nent at an earlier selection \vould be senior !
158
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN 159

to those selected later. Para 319 provided that an employee promoted to a A
higher grade in his turn after being found suitable should be considered
as senior is that grade to all the others who are subse,1uently promoted.

The Railway Board's letter dated August 31, 1982 which dealt with
"reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in promotion in
group 'D' and 'C' on the basis of seniority-cum-suitability11 provided that B
seniority or Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates in com-
parison to other candidates will continue to be governed by the panel
position in case of categories where training is not provided and in
accordance with the merit position in the examination where training is
provided. Further, letter dated October 20, 1960 provided that reservation C
roster was only a machinery to ensure the prescribed percentage of reser-
vation and should not be related to the question of seniority and confir-
mation. The same position was reiterated in Railway Board's letter dated
January 19, 1972.

FACTS OF CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9272 OF 1995 D

The general candidates who were promoted to Grade 'A' special lrom
grade 'A' on ad h'oc basis were sought to be ·reverted back to grade 'A' and
candidates from Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes who were junior to
them in grade 'A' were sought to be promoted against the vacancies in E
grade 'A' special. This was challenged by the general category candidates.
The Central Administrative Tribunal allowed the application holding that
seniority in grade 'C' would be the guiding seniority list for the cadre of
guards and a senior general category candidate in the feeder grade would
be senior to a reserved category candidate in the next higher grade even
though the nserved category candidate is promoted earlier. F

FACTS OF CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9276 OF 1995

Several reserved category candidates, \\'ho were junior to 'W' in the
lower grades of the cadre of Station Masters, were promoted to higher
grade earlier than 'W' because of preferential promotion on the basis of G
reservation. \.Vhen 11 vacancies arose in the category of Station Superin~
tendents, names of 33 reserved category candidates, many of whom were
junior to 'W', were considered to the exclusion of 'W'. 'W' challenged. this
and sought revision of the seniority list prepared by the Railway
Authorities in all the grades of the station masters' category. The Central H
.,
160 SUPREME COURT REPORTS /1995] SUPP. 45.C.R.

A Administrative Tribunal allo\\ing the original application of 'W' held that
· seniority in the grade in which 'W' \Vas n·orking should be reworked taking
into account the date of actual proniotion in case of general categor)'
candidates and the date on \Vhich the reserved category candidates \Vould
have bt'en granted promotion in that grade had there been no reservation.
However, the Tribunal declared that seniority in lower grades should not
B
be disturbed because of the delay on part of 'W' in approaching the
Tribunal.

FACTS OF CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9275 OF 1995

c · 13. OutTheoftotal sanctioned strength of the category of Superintendents was
them, 3 posts were vacant. Of the remaining 10, only 2 posts
(
were being held by general category candidates and 8 by the reserved
category candidates. Fur interview for proniotion to the posts which were
vacant, the Railway Authorities sought to call the Scheduled Cas-
tes/Scheduled Tribes candidates junior to 'X'. 'X' challenged this and
D succeeded before the Central Administrative Tribunal.

FACTS OF CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9274 OF 1995

Candidates belonging to general category challenged the proposed
promotion of reserved category candidates in the cadres of Office Super-
E intendents Grades I and II and Head Clerk on the ground that the
representation of reserved category candidates in those grades had already
exceeded the percentage reserved for them. The Central Administrative
Tribunal allowed the application and held that rule of reservation must be
applied \\'ith reference to posts and not \v:ith reference to vacancies. The
F apptllants bef'ort.~ this Court contrnded that reservation should he applied
to vacancies and not to total nu111brr of posts in the cadre.

On appeal, this Court

HELD : JN CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9272 OF 1995
G 1. There is no uniform or prescribed method of providing reservation.
The extent and nature of reservation is a matter for the State to decide
having regard to the facts and requirements of each case. It is open to the
State to say that while the rule of reservation shall be applied and the roster
followed in the matter of promotions to or within a particular service, class
H or category, the candidate promoted earlier by virtue of the rule of rcserva-
U.O.l. v. V.S. CHAUHAN 161

tion/roster shall not be entitled to seniority over his senior in the feeder A
category and that as and when a general candidate senior to him in the feeder
category is promoted, such general candidate will regain his seniority over
the reserved candidate notwithstanding that he is promoted subseqJJent to
the reserved candidate. There is no unconstitutionality involved in this. It is
permissible for the State to so provide. [178-C-F, G]
B
Indra Sawhn_ey v. Union of India, [1992] Suppl. 3 SCC 217, relied on.

National Federation of State Bank of India v. Union of India and Ors.,
[1995] 3 sec 432, referred to.

2.1. The Rule of reservation in the Railway services in the category c
of Railway Gnards, whether in the matter of initial appointment or in the
matter of promotion from o_ne grade to another, is provided by the cir-
culars/letters of the Railway Board. [178-H, 179-A]

Akhil Bliartiya Soshit Karamcha1i Sangh v. Union of India, [1981] 1 D
sec 264, referred to.
2.2. The aforesaid circulars/letters providing for reservation in
favour of Schedule Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates, rosters and their
operation and on the subject of seniority as between general candidates
and reserved category candidates, being in the nature of special rules E
prevail over the general instructions contained in Indian Railway Estab-
•
lishment Manual. [180·Hl

23. So far as several grades among Railway Guards are concerned, the
relevant service conditions do not provide for any training followed by ex-
amination on promotion from one grade to another. Hence, the seniority F
between the reserved category candidates and general candidates in the
promoted category shall continue to be governed by their panel position. In
case of non- se]ection posts as no "panel" is prepared or is necessary to be
prepared, "panel" should mean the panel prepared by the selecting authority
at the time of selection for Grade 'C'. It is the seniority in this panel which G
must be reflected in each of the higher grades. This means that while the rule
of reservation gives accelerated promotion, it does not give the accelerated-
or what may be called, the consequential - seniority. In this sense, the rule
confers a limited benefit - a qualified benefit. [179-D-F]

2.4. There is, however, one situation where this rule may not have any H
162 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A practical relevance. In a given case, it may happen that by the time the senior
general candidate gets promoted to the higher grade, the junior reserved
category candidate (who was promoted to the said higher grade earlier) may
have got promoted to yet higher grade. It is obvious that in such a case, the
rule evolved in the aforesaid circulars does not avail the senior general can-
didate for there can be no question of any seniority as between, say, a person
B in 'B' grade and a person in 'A' grade. [179-G-H, 180-A]

2.5. The seniority position in the promoted category as between
reserved candidates and general candidates shall be the same as their inter
se seniority position in Grade 'C' at any given point of time provided that
at that given point of time, both the general candidate and the reserved
c category candidates are in the same grade. This rule operates whether the
general candidate is included in the same batch of promotees or in a
subsequent batch. In other words, even if a Scheduled Castes/Scheduled '
Tribes candidate is promoted earlier by virtue of rule of rese~ation/roster
than his senior general candidate and the senior general candidate is
D promoted later to the said higher grade, the general candidate regains his
seniority over such earlier promoted Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
candidate. The earlier promotion of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled
Tribes candidate in such a situation does not confer upon him seniority
over the general candidate even though the general candidate is promoted
E later to that category. [183-H, 184-A-B]

3.1. Once ·the number of posts reserved for being filled by reserved
category candidates in a cadre, category or grade (unit for application of
rule of reservation) are filled by the operation of roster, the object of rule
of reservation should be deemed to have been achieved and thereafter the
F roster cannot be followed except to the extent indicated in para 5 of R.K
Sabharwa/. While determining the said number, the candidates belonging
to the reserved category but selected/promoted on their own merit (and
not by virtue of rule of reservation) shall not be counted as reserved
category candidates. [183-E]
G 3.2. The percentage of reservation has to be worked out in relation
to number of posts in a particular cadre, class, category or grade (unit for
the purpose of applying the rule of reservation) and not with respect to
vacancies. (183-F]

H R.K. Sabha1wal v. State of Punjab, [1995] 2 SCC 745, followed and

'
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN 163

applied. A
G.C. Jain v. Divisional Rail Managei; Central Railway, (19XI) I SLR
598 and General Manager, Southem Railway & Anr. v. Rangadzari, [1962] 2
SCR 687, referred to.

4. The Railway Authorities shall follow the rules laid down in paras B
2.5, 3.1 and 3.2 above with effect from the date of judgment in R.K.
Sabharwal, i.e., February HI, 1995. [186-G]

R.K. Sabhaiwal v. State of Punjab, [1995] 2 SCC 745, relied on.

IN CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9276 OF 1995 c
5.1. The Railway Authorities have not observed the principle that the
reservation must be vis-a-vis posts and not vis-a-vis vacancies. They had
also not kept in mind the rule of seniority in the promotion posts enun-
ciated in the Railway Board's circulars. Yet another principle which the D
authorities appeared to have not observed i_n practice is that once the
percentage reserved for a particular reserved category is satisfied in that
service category or grade (unit of appointment) the rule of reservation and
the roster should nu longer be followed. [191-B-C]

5.2. The review of all the promotions may not be advisable at this E
distance of time. It is evidently for this reason that this Court has directed
in R.K. Sabha1wal that the rule affirmed therein should be applied only
prospectively. [191-D-E]

R.K. Sabhanval v. State of Punfab, [1995] 2 SCC 745, referred to.
F
6.1. While the rule enunciated in para 2.5 above would be applicable
in the case of non selection posts, in the case of selection posts, the said
rule would be applicable subject to the rider that the panel referred to in
the circulars/letters of Railway Board would mean panel prepared at the
thne of making selection for pro1notion to the said selection posts and not G.
the panel prepared at the time of entry into the initial grade. [192-D, BJ

6.2. Rules cimtained in 3.1. and 3.2 above would apply to both
selection and non-selection posts.

IN CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9275 OF 1995 H
-.
164 SUPREME COURT REPORTS 11995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A 7. It'is evident that out of the cadre-strength of thirteen there were
three vacancies fHJ the date of filing of the original application before the
Tribunal and of the ren1aining ten posts, only tw·o were occupied by the
members of Scheduled Castes. Since the representation of Scheduled
Castes is already far beyond their lJUOta, no further Scheduled Castes
candidates could have been considerl:'d for the ren1aining three vacancies.
B This means that the Scheduled Castes candidates can be considered only
as and along with general candidates but not as me1nbers belonging to a
reserved category. [194-ll-C]

R.K. Sahhwwa/ v. State of Punjab, [1995] 2 SCC 745, applied.
c IN CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9274 OF 1995

8. The contention urged by the appellants is concluded against the
appellant by the decision of this Court in R.K. Sabharwal. 111e appeal is
dismissed with the clarification that the members of Scheduled Cas-
D !es/Scheduled Tribes can also compete as general candidates. [195-B]

R.K. Sabhanval '·State of Punjab, [1995] 2 SCC 745, followed.

(Ed.- TI1is Court took notice of the piquant situations arising due to
the provision of reservation in promotion and reiterated the principle
E atlirmed in Indra Saw/mey that providing reservation in promotion is not
warranted by Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India.) (195-C]

Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, [1992] Supp. 3 SCC 217, referred
to.

F CIVIL APPELLATE/ORl(i!NAL JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal
No. 9272 of 1995.

From the Judgment and order dated 21.1.87 of the Central Ad-
ministrative Tribunal, Allahabad Bench al Allahabad in Registration No.
G 647 or 1986.

Altaf Ahmed, Additional Solicitor General, KN. Shukla, N.N. Gos-
\varni, V.C. Mahajan) Rajeev Dhawan, Sr. Advs, Hemant Sharma, A.K.
Sharma, T.C. Sharma, W.A. Uuadri, Y.P. Mahajan, P. Narsimhao, S.K.
Bandopa<lhya , K.B. Rohatgi, Ms. Aparna Rohatgi, S. Kachwah, S. Sub-
H timaran, U.A. Rana, K. R. Nagaraja, Rajiv Tyagi, Anand Prasad, Advs.
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P.JEEV!\N REDDY J.J 165

\vith Lhcm for the appearing parties. A
The .l udgmcnt of the Court was delivered by

B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, J. CA Nos. 9272-73 & 9277 of 1995 (arising
out of S.L.P. (C) Nos. 6468 of 1987, 1682/88, and 8111/94), C.A. No.
2261/87, 5044/89, 4436/90, 18/90, W.P. (C) 1208/87 and 565/93. (Main B
Opinion)

Leave granted in Special Leave Petitions.

1. These appeals/writ petitions raise an important but difiicult ques-
tion concerning the nature of rule of reservation in promotions obtaining c
in the Railway service and the rule concerning the determination of
seniority between general candidates and candidates belonging to reserved
classes in the promoted category. The issue is best illustrated by taking the
facts in the first of these matters, viz., Union of India and 01!. v. Vi1pal
Singh Chauhan, Civil Appeal No. 9272/95 arising from Special Leave D
Petition (C) No. 6468 of 1987. The appeal is preferred against the judgment
of the Central Administrative Tribunal (Allahabad Bench) disposing of
Original Application No. 647 of 1986 with certain directions. [It was
originally filed as a writ petition in the Allahabad High Court which, on
the constitution of the Central Administrative Tribunal (Allahabad Bench),
was transferred to the Tribunal.] It was filed by, what may be called for the
E
sake of convenience, employees not belonging to any of the reserved
categories (hereinafter referred to as "general candidates" - which means
open competition candidates). The Railway Administration as well as the
employees belonging to reserved categories, i.e., Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes were impleadcd as respondents. The writ peti- F
tion/original application came to be filed in the following circumstances :

Among the category of Guards in the Railway service, there are four
categories, viz., Grade 'C', Grade 'B', Grade 'A' and Grade 'A' .special.
The initial recruitment is made to Grade 'C' and they have to ascend rung G
after rung to go upwards. The promotion from one grade to another in this
category is by seniority-cum-suitability. In other words, they are "non-
selection posts". The rule of reservation is applied not only at the initial
stage of appointment to grade 'C' but at every stage of promotion. The
percentage reserved for Scheduled Castes is fifteen percent and for
Scheduled Tribes 7.5%, a total of 22.5 percent. To give effect to the rule H
166 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A of reservation, a forty-point roster \Vas prepared in which certain points
were reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively,
con1111cnsurate \Vith the percentage of reservation in their fuvour. For
Scheduled Castes candidates, the places reserved in the roster \Vere : l, 8,
14, 22, 28 and 36 and in the case of Scheduled Tribes candidates, they were
: 4, l7 and 31. Subsequently, a hundred-point roster has been prepared,
B again reflecting the aforesaid percentages.

2. Jn the year 1986, the position was that both the petitioners in the
original application (general candidates) and the party-respondents in the
said original application (members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
c Tribes) were in the grade of Guards Grade 'A' in the Northern Railway.
On August l, 1986, the Chief Controller, Tundla passed orders promoting
certain general candidates on ad hoc basis to Grade 'A' special. Within
less than three months, however, they were sought to be reverted and in
their place, members of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes were sought
D to be promoted. Complaining that such a course of action is illegal,
arbitrary and unconstitutional, the general candidates approached the High
Court, which petition, as stated above, was transferred to the Tribunal. The
general candidates asked for three reliefs, viz., (a) to restrain the Railway
authorities from filling up the posts in the higher grades in the category of
Guards by applying the rule of reservation; (b) to restrain the Railway
E Administration from acting upon the illegal seniority list prepared by them;
and (c) to declare that the petitioners (general candidates) are entitled to
be promoted and confirmed in Guard Grade 'A' special on the strength of
their seniority earlier to the reserved category employees. Their contention,
in short was (l) that once the quota prescribed for a reserved category is
F satisfied, the rule of reservation - or the forty-point roster prepared to give
effect to the said rule · cannot be applied or followed any longer and (2)
that the forty-point roster is prepared only to give effect to the rule of
reservation. ft may provide for accelerated pro111otion but it cannot give
seniority also to a reserved category candidate in the promoted category.
According to them, the seniority in Guard Grade 'C' should govern and
G should be reflected in all subsequent grades notwithstanding the earlier
promotion of the members of the reserved categories. Their case was that
even if a reserved category member 'X' is promoted from Grade 'C' to
Grade 'B' earlier than his senior 'Y' (general candidate), the position
should be that when the general candidate also gets promoted later to
H Grade 'B' he should regain is seniority over 'X' in Grade 'B' which means
(
U.O.l. r. V.S. CHAUHAN IB.P.JEEVAN REDDY,J.) 167

that in Grade 'B', 'Y' again bccon1es senior to 'X'. They submitted that this A
should be the rule to be followed lo ensure that command of Articles 14
an<l 16 of the Constitution of J~dia prevails. They relied upon two decisions
of the Allahabad High Court and another decision of Madhya Pradesh in
support of their contention. They also relied upon certain circulars of the
Railway Board in this behalf.
B
3. The case of the Railway Administration (Respondent Nos. 1 to 4
m the original application) was that the Administration is maintaining
separate seniority lists for each of the grades in the category of Guards
according to the policy in vogue. The ad hoc promotions of general
candidates ordered on August 1, 1986 were irregular inasmuch as the C
seniors in the category of Grade 'A' Guards were ignored and juniors
promoted by the Chief Controller, Tundla. The Chief Controller, Tundla
,;,as not competent to order the said ad lzoc promotions. The promotions
ordered later of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates is strictly
in accordance with the seniority position in Grade 'A' and is unobjec- D
tionable. The Administration submitted that seniority is determined on the
basis of the date of promotion and since promotion effected applying the
forty-point roster cannot be said to be an ad lzoc promotion, a Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidate promoted earlier to a particular grade
becomes senior to another candidate, general or otherwise, who is
promoted to that grade later. In short, according to them, the date of E
promotion to a particular grade determines the seniority in that grade.

4. The reserved candidates (respondents in the original application)
supported the stand of the Administration. They submitted that the
seniority list pertaining to Ciuards (Jradc 'C' is not relevant and cannot be F
followed in the matter of promotion to Grade 'A' special from Grade 'A'.
For the purpose of promotion lo Grade-A special, the seniority list per-
taining to Grade 'A' should be followed and since in that grade, the
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates were seniors, they were
entitled to be promoted to Grade 'A' Special earlier than their juniors in
that seniority list. They suhmittcd that the seniority in a grade should be G
determined according to the date of promotion/appointment to that grade
and not in any other manner. They submitted that inasmuch as in the higher
grades, the representation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes members
was quite inadequate, the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates
obtained rapid promotions from one grade to another but it is neither H
•
168 SUPREME COURT REPORTS I19951SUPP.4 S.C.R.

A contrary to the rules nor is it inconsistent \Vith Articles 16 and 14. In fact,
the very rule of reservation in pron1otions is n1eant LO increase the repre-
sentation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates in the higher
echelons of services quickly. No exception can be taken to the said rule)
they submitted.

B 5. Since the Tribunal has strongly relied upon two decisions of the
Allahabad High Court and a decision of the Madhya Pradesh High Court,
it would be appropriate to refer to their ratio brie!ly.

6. In Civil Writ Petition No. 1809 of 1972, J.C. Mallik v. Union of
C India, the Allahabad High Court hdd that the rule of rese.rvation or the
forty-point roster, as the case may be, cannot be followed and applied once
the representation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in a particular
grade, cadre or service, reaches the prescribed level of percentage. In other
words, once the quota of 221/2'J1, in favour of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled
Tribes is satisfied, the rule of reservation/forty-point roster can no longer
D be followed and applied. It may be mentioned that this decision has since
been referred with approval in the Constitution Bench decision in R.K.
Sabha1wal v. State of Punjab, [1995] 2 SCC 745.

7. The other decision of the Allahabad High Court is in Second
E Appeal No. 2745 of 1983 arising from Suit No. 308 of 1981, M.P. Dwidedi
v. Union of India and 01'·., The learned District Judge, whose decision was
under appeal in the said second appeal, had decreed the suit filed by the
general candidates in the following words : "The defendants-appellants,
their agellts and servants are restrained by means of pern1ancnt injunction
from filling up the posts of higher grade in the category of Guards by way
F of reservation in favour of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes can-
didates in excess of fixed by Railway Board. Their claim for declaration to
the effect that they are entitled to be promoted to the higher grades in the
category of Guards on the strength of their seniority list prepared by the
defendant for Guards Grade-C on their initial grades is also decreed".
G When the matter came to the High Court, the learned Single Judge, who
disposed of the second appeal, held :

Aftcr having considered the entire position I an1 of the opinion
11

that in the present case promotion from grade 'A' to 'A' Special
cannot be n1a<lc on the basis of reservation so long as (Juards
H belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes class in grade
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [ll.P . .IEEVAN REDDY. .I.] 169

'A' Special are in excess of the percentage reserved for them. The A
position. h(1\vever, \viii ;_ihvays ren1ain fluctuating an<l \Vil! have to
be rc\'ic\vcd hy the <lUthorities f"ron1 time to time. But the right of
Schc<lulcd Castes an<l Sche<lukd Tribes candidates to promotion
merely on the basis of their scniority-cun1-suitability without any
reference to reservation \viii not he barred. As and \vhen percent-
B
age of Scheduled Castes ilrH.l Scheduled Tribes Guards in grade
Special goes down below the requisite percentage their right to
promotion on the basis of reservation will revive. Subject to this
modification the decree for injunction passed by the Court below
is confirmed and the appeals arc dismissed. 11
c
8. The judgment of the Madhya Pradesh High Court is in G.C. Jain
v. Divisfrmal Rail Ma11age1; Central Railway, reported in (1986) J S.L.R. 598.
The passage relied upon by the Tribunal reads thus :

'Those SC & ST candidates who have come or been promoted due D
to reservation quota, having already jumped the queue, cannot be
permitted to compete with general candidates for further promo-
tion. They are a special class by themselves and they have on!)' to
go to the reserve quota for further promotion. If the reserve quora
is already full in the next grade, the SC & ST candidates just below
that grade in the reserve quota will have to wait till vacancy occurs E
in the higher grade in the reserve quota. However, we \Vant to
make it clear that this will not apply to such SC & ST candidates
\vho on their own in competition with the general candidates have
attained their present position and not due to reservation, they are
entitled to con1pctc further \Vith the general candidates and they F
will not be affected for promotion in the general quota even if the
reserved quota is full in the next higher gradetf.

9. On the basis of the aforesaid decisions and certain circulars of the
Railway Board, which will be referred at a later stage, the Tribunal laid
down the following principles in Para - 26 of its judgment. (We have split G
up the paragraph into several sub-paras to bring out the several principles
distinctly) :

"26. To clarify the position further we will enunciate the principles
of determining .seniority in situations as are under c..lispulc h~re. H
..
170 SUPREME COURT REPORTS I19951SUPP.4 S.C.R.

A The basic seniority in grade '(''\viii he the guiding seniority list for
the cadre of guards.

Rcservalions in promotions \voul<l be n1adc against posts in the
grades and not against vacancies.

B Persons who are promoted iiy virtue of the application of roster
would be given accelerated promotion but not the seniority.

The seniority in a particular grade amongst the incumbents avail-
able for promotion to the next grade will be recast each time new
c incumbents enter from the lower grade on the basis of the initial
grade 'C' seniority i.e. a senior grade 'C' Guard who gets
promoted to grade 'B' or from grade 'B' to grade 'A' and so on
will find his position amongst the incumbents of that grade on the
basis of the original grade 'C' seniority.
D
Such persons as arc superseded for any reasons other than on
account of reservation will be excluded. A person superseded on
account of a punishment or unfitness will count his seniority on
the revised basis and not on original grade 'C' seniority.

E The reserved community candidates who are senior not by virtue
of reservations but by the position in grade 'C' selections which
the grade 'C' seniority list will automatically take care of, will not
wait for reservation percentage to be satisfied for their promotion.
They will get promoted in their normal turn irrespective of the
F percentage of rcscr\·c<l cun1111unity can<li<lates in the higher grade.
Others who get promoted as a result of reservation by jumping the
queue will wait for their turn.

Reservation will again have to be applied on depletion of the
reservation quota in the higher grade to make good the shortfalls."
G
10. The Tribunal directed that a fresh seniority list be drawn in the
light of the principles enunciated by it in Para-26 and promotions made on
that basis. The Tribunal rejected the contention of the general candidates
that "no promotions at all be made for reserved community candidates
H because quota is full". Similarly, it rejected the contention of the general
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 171

c<.indidalcs (petitioners in the original application) that all promotions in A
the higher grades shall be ma<le on the has is of the seniority list pertaining
lo Grade 'C' alone. It held that the scnioritv list will he separately prepared
for each grade in accordance \Vilh the principles enunciated hy it and that
the list must be updated every time there is promotion to that category. It
clarified that a reserved corn111unity candidate \Vho gets pro1notion on his
B
own merit and not on the basis of rule of rcservation-cun1- forty-point
roster will be entitled to be promoted irrespective of the quota position.
But those reserved community candidates who obtained. promotion by
jumping the queue on the basis of rule of reservation will gel the promotion
on the basis of the revised seniority list to be prepared in accordance with
the directions contained in Para-26. c
11. The Indian Railway Establishment Manual, Volume-I, contains
instructions regulating inter alia seniority of non-gazetted Railway servants.
They are contained in Chapter-lll. Para 306 says, "candidates selected for
appointment at an earlier selection shall be senior to those selected later D
irrespective of the dates of posting except in the case covered by paragraph
305 above". Para 309 reads : "SENIORITY ON PROMOTION. - Para-
graph 306 above applies equally to seniority in pfo1notion vacancies in one
and the same category due allowance being made for delay, if any, in
joining the new posts in the exigencies of service.TT Para 314 says that subject
to Paragraph 302 to 306, "when the dates of appointment lo the grade are E
the same, the date of entry into the grade next below it shall -det~rmine
seniority". Para 319 deals \Vith seniority on promotion to non-selection
posts. This paragraph states that "promotion lo non-selection posts shall
be on the basis of seniority-cum-suitability, suitability being _judged by the
authority cnn1pctent lo fill the post~ hy oral and/or \Vrittcn test or a
F
departn1ent<JI exan1ination or a trade test or by scrutiny of record of
service as considered necessary.'1 It further says that 11 a railway servant,
once promoted in his turn after being found suitable against a vacancy,
\Vhich is non-fortuitous, should be considered as senior in that gradC to all
others who arc subsequently promoted after being found suitable."
G
12. So far as the rule of reservation is considered it has been
applicable to Railway service by orders issued by the Railway Board from
time to time pursuant to and in obedience to the policy decisions of the
Ministry of Horne Affairs. The decision of this Court in Akhil Blzartiya
Soshit Karamchwi Sangh v. Union of India, [1981J 1 SCC 264 refers to the H
>
172 SUPREME COURT REl'ORTS [1995) SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A several orders issued from time to ti1nc in this behalf. They are also found
at pages 4 to 6 (Chapter-I) and pages 59 to 89 (Chapter-Ill) of the
Brochure on Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in
Railway Services (Third Edition 1985). We do not think it necessary to
refer to them in this .iudgrnent since we are concerned herein not with the
validity of the rule of reservation hut with its nature and its effect upon the
B question of seniority. We shall, therefore, refer to the Railway Board's
circulars alone relevant on this aspect. Here too, we will refer first to orders
applicable to non-selection posts. Railway Board's letter dated 13th
August, J 959 is of a general nature. It says that "as a general rule the
seniormost candidate should be promoted lo a higher non-selection post,
c subject to his suitability. Once promoted against a vacancy which is non-
forluitous, he should be considered as senior in the grade to all others who
are subsequently promoted". [Printed at page 507 in Chapter-XII of the
Brochure aforesaid*. The Railway Board's letter dated August 31, 1982 (at
page 512 · Chapter XII of the Brochure) deals with the subject "Reserva-
tion for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in promotion in Group
D 'D' and 'C' (Clause IV and lll, on the basis of seniority-cum-suitability".
Para-4 of the letter reads:

"Against the above background, the matter has been reviewed by
the Board. It has been decided that posting of Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates on promotions in non-selection
E posts should also be done as per the reserved points on the roster
subject, howeve1; to the co11ditio11 that seniority of the Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates in comparison to other can·
didates will continue to be governed by the panel position in the
case of categories \Vhere training is not provided and in accordance
F \vith the tncrit position in the cxan1ination \Vhcrc training is
provided."

(Emphasis added)

G 13. It is evident that this letter is speaking of the seniority position in
the initial entry category/grade. It says that while posting shall be done as

* 1l1e several circulars and orders issued by the ll<lilway Board from time to time are
arranged chapter-wise in the said Brochure. Chapter-V deals with Rosters. Chapter-IX
with promotion lo non-selection posts and Chapter-XII with confirmation and
seniority. The Brochure is published hy the Government of India. Minishy of Rai\\vays
H (Railway Board), New Delhi.
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN (B.P.JEEVAN REDDY,J.] 173

· per rOster points, seniority shall continue to be governed by the ranking A
given in the selection list/panel. This clearly brin&< out the departure being
made from the normal principle that the date of entry in a category/grade
determines the seniority.

14. Indeed, the Railway Board's letter dated January 19, 1972 (pages
194--195 - Chapter-VIII dealing with promotion to selection posts - of the B
Brochure) shows that even in the case of promotions made on the basis of
merit, the same principle applies.

15. The Railway Board's letter dated October 20, 1960 referred to in
the judgment of Madhya Pradesh High Court in G.C. Jain says, "seniority C
of SOST employees will be determined under the normal rules. The
reservation roster is considered only a machinery to ensure the prescribed
percentage of reservation for SOST employees and should not be related
to the question of seniority and confirmation. If any of the SC/ST employee
is confirmed in the post by virtue of roster, such confirmation will not give
them any benefit in respect of seniority." Again, the very same idea stated D
clearly. :

16. At page 503 of the Brochure, in Chapter-XXII, dealing with
confirmation and seniority, Railway Board's letter dated February 11, 1972
is extracted, the relevant portion whereof reads: E

"Sub : Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes - Application of roster both at the time of initial
recruitment and confirmation.

Reference Board's kncr No. E (SCI) 62Cl\ll5/7 dated 20th F
April 1963 which provides that the reservation roster is lo be
applied only at the time of initial recruitment and that confirmation
should be made in the order of seniority which in the case of
non-trained categories is determined on the basis of the position
in the panel supplied by the Railway Service Commission and in G
the Case of trainee categories on the basis of the merit position in
the examination.

2. The Board after careful consideration have decided that in the
posts filled by direct recruitment on or after the date of issue of
this letter, reservation may be made for Scheaulcd Castes and H
•
l74 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A Sche<lulc<l Tribes both and the time of initial appointment on
ten1porary basis as \Veil as at the ti1nc of confirmation. In posts
ff/led by pronzntion, howci'et, no rese1vatio11 is ad111issiblc at the stage
of co11fi1111alio11 ofproniofces and the existing procedure of conji"!n1-
ing e111ployees in order of their panel position 1nay continue."
B (Emphasis added)

17. Again at page 508, extracts of Railway Board's letter <lated
January 19, 1972 are set out, which read :

"3. The seniority of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and
c Scheduled Tribes vis-a-vis others will continue to be determined
as at present, i.e., according to the panel position in the case of
categories where training is not provided and in accordance \Vit h
the merit position in the examination where training is pro\~<lcd.
11

D And finally at page 512, the circular/letter of the Railway Board
dated August 31, 1982 is set out, which has already been extracted herein-
before.

18. Pausing here for a moment, we must explain what does panel
mean and signify in the case of promotions. Though we enquired
E repeatedly, this aspect could not be clarified by the learned Additional
Solicitor General. In particular, we wanted to know whether a panel is
prepared only in the ease of selection posts or is it also prepared in the
case of non-selection posts. The s~veral instructions in Indian Railway
Establishment Manual are also not helpful on this aspect. We are, there-
F fore, Jell to interpret the cxpn:ssion oursclvc~. Having regard to the fact i,
that in all the above circulars/letters, the expression "panel" has been used.·;,
to denote a merit list or sck:cl list, as it may be called, \Ve think it~."
reasonable to understand as a panel \vhich is prepared in the case of
selection posts only. In the case of non-selection posts, there is no question
of such a panel. In their case, the senior is promoted automatically unless
G
he is found to be unsuitable to hold the promotion post. No panel, i.e.,
merit list or select list is called for in the case of non-selection posts. May
be, ultimately, a list of persons to be promoted is prepared but that is
neither a merit list, nor a select lisl.

H 19. Sri Altaf Ahmed, learned Additional Solicitor General ques-
U.0.1. v. Y.S. CHAUHAN [B.P . .JEEYAN REDD'r.J.j 175

tioned the correctness and validity of t.hc principles enunciated by the A
Tribunal in para-26 of its judgment. He submitted that according lo the
Indian Railway Establishment Manual, seniority is determined by the date
of promotion/appoinlmcnt to the concerned grade anJ that the said
principle cannot he altered or departed fron1 in the nan1c of ens~ring
equality. ()nee the rule of reserva~ion is i.1pplicd in the n1attcr of pro1no- B
tions and it is remc111bered that iri the higher echelons of administration,
representation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes has been inadequate
all these years, there is nothing surprising if the members of Scheduled
Castes/Scheduled Tribes get promotions sooner and earlier than the
general candidates. This is the natural consequence of applying the rule of
reservation in promotions - and not an unintended one. The said consc- C
qucnce cannot, therefore, be a basis for evolving a rule which partially
off-sets the very purpose and meaning of the rule of reservation. Sri Altaf
Ahmed further submitted that effecting promotions in accordance with the
1
roster vacancies are not and cannot be callee.I "fortuitous promotion They
'.

are regular vacancies and pron1otion to then1 is a regular promotion. He D
relied upon the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal in Dwga
Charan Ha/dar v.Union of India (Original Application No. 854 of 1990)
wherein it has been held that the date of promotion, effected following the
forty-point roster/hundred-point roster, is determinative of seniority. He
submitted that the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal (Patna
Bench) lo the contrary is the subject matter of appeal in this batch. The E
Patna Tribunal has followed the decision of the Allahabad Tribunal in
Vilpal Singh Chauhan.

20. Sri Rajecv Dhawan, lc;trnc<l counsel appearing fur the respon-
dents-general candidates, pul fnr\Vl:lrd the follo\ving suhn1issions \vhilc
F
opposing the contentions of the learned Additional Solicitor General :

(i) Article 16(4) of the .Constitution enables the State to define the
extent and nature of the benefits to be extended lo the backward classes.
lt is not as if there is only one particular method of providing reservations
under the said clause. G

(ii) The purpose behind Article 16( 4) is to ensure adequate repre-
sentation to backward classes in the adn1inistrative apparatus of the Stale.
The purpose of Article 16(4) is only to ensure adequate representation an<l
not to confer additional benefits - other than those which logically flow H
A
176 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

from the rule of reservation. As .soon as adequate representation is
·-
achieved, the rule of reservation must be kept in abeyance and if there is
a roster the application of the roster must he stopped.

(iii) A harmonious construction of clauses (4) and (1) of Article 16
- both of which are indeed facets of the very same principle of equality -
B implies that while the members of reserved categories will be entitled to
equal treatment in all matters relating to service conditions, they cannot
claim accelerated seniority in addition to accelerated promotion. If this
principle is not recognised, it would result in the reserved category mem-
bers stealing an additional march over the general candidates which defeats
c the guarantee of equality extended by Article 16(1) to general candidates.
In other words, giving accelerated .seniority in addition to accelerated
promotion amounts lo conferring double benefit upon the members of
reserved category and is violative of rule of equality in Article 16(1).

(iv) The command of Article 335 of the Constitution shall also have
D to be kept in mind in this behalf. Accelerated promotion-cum-accelerated
seniority is destructive of the efficiency of administration inasmuch as by
this means the higher echelons of administration come to be occupied
almost entirely by members of reserved categories - at any rate, far beyond
the percentage of reservation prescribed for them.
E
(v) The decisions of this Court clearly establish the distinction be-
tween promotion and seniority. It would be too simplistic to say that
seniority automatically follows the promotion.

(vi) A candidate belonging to reserved category appointed/promoted
F on the basi!-1 of rule of reservation shuu!U nnt he hcl<l entitl~<l to con1pcle
for a general vacancy in the roster. They should be confined to reserved
vacancies alone. Non-observance of this rule has resulted in a situation
where in the higher grades of Railway Guards the representation of
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes has risen upto seventy percent (in the
case of Guard Super Grade) and forty percent (in the case of Guard Grade
G 'A' Special) instead of 22.5 percent. This anomaly cannot be allowed lo
occur.

21. Sri K.B. Rohtagi, learned counsel appearing for the respondents
in Civil Appeal No. 2261 of 1987 (for Guards belonging to Scheduled
H Castes/Scheduled Tribes categories) supported the contentions of the

'
-· U.O.l. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P.JEEVAN REDDY.J.]

learned Additional Solicitor General.
177

A

22. Clause (4) of Article 16 of the Constitution enables the State to
make "any provision for the reservation of appointn1ents or posts in favour
of any back\vard class of citizens \Vhich, in the opinion of the State, is not
adequately represented in the services under the State." In Indra Sawhney
B
v. Union of India, (1992] Suppl. 3 S.C.C. 217, it has been hdd by the
majority (in the opinion delivered by one of us, B.P. Jeevan Reddy, J.):

"The question then arises whether clause ( 4) of Article 16 is
exhaustive of the topic of reservations in favour of backward
classes. Before we ans\ver this question it is well to examine the c
meaning and content of the expression 'reservation'. Its meaning
has to be ascertained having regard to the context in which it
occurs. The relevant \Vords are, any provision for the reservation
of appointments or posts'. The question is whether the said words
contemplate only one form of provision namely reservation D
simpliciter, or do they take in other forms of special provisions like
references, concessions and exemptions. In our opinion, reserva-
tion is the highest form of special provision, while preference,
concession and exemption are .lesser forms. The constitutional
scheme and context of Article 16( 4) induces. us to take the view
that larger concept of reservations takes within its sweep all sup- E
plemental and ancillary provisions as also lesser types of special
provisions like exen1ptions, concessions and relaxations, consistent
no doubt with the requirement of maintenance of efficiency of
administration - the admonition of Article 335. The several con-
cessions, exemptions and other n1easurcs issued by the Railv.. ay 1
F
Administration and noticed in Karamchmi Sangh [19811 l S.C.C.
246 are instances of supplementary, incidental and ancillary
provisions made with a view to make the main provision of reser-
vation effective i.e., to ensure that the members of the reserved
class fully avail of the provision for reservation in their favour. The
other type of measure is the one in Thomas (1976] 2 S.C.C. 310. G
There was no provision for reservation in favour of Scheduled
Castes/Scheduled Tribes in the matter of promotion to the
category of Upper Division Clerks. Certain tests were required to
be passed before a Lower Division Clerk could be promoted as
Upper Division Clerk. A large number of Lower Division Clerks H
..
·-
178 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A belonging lo SC/ST were not ahle to pass those tests, with the result
they \Vere stagnating in the category of LDC:s. Ruic :13-AA \vas
accordingly n1a<lc cn1po\vcring the (Jovcrnmcnt to grant exen1p-
tion Lo n1e1nbcrs SC:/ST fro1n passing those tests and the govern-
ment did exempt them, not absolutely, but only for a limited period.
This provision for exen1ption \Vas a lesser form of special treatn1cnt
B
than rcser\·ation. There is no reason why such a special provision
should not be held to be included within the larger concept of
rescrvation.'1

23. This statement of la\V n1akcs it clear that there is no uniform or
c prescribed method of providing reservation. The extent and nature of
reservation is a matter for the State to decide having regard to the facts
and requirements of each case. Such a situation was indeed dealt with in
National Federation of State Bank of India v. Union of India and Oi:>., [1995]
3 S.C.C. 432 rendered by one of us, B.P. Jeevan Reddy, .I. on behalf of the
Bench which included R.M. Sahai and S.C. Sen JJ. In the case of service
D
under Public Sector Banking Institutions, \vhile reservation in promotions
was provided in the case of promotion from Class-IV to Class-III, Class-Ill
to Class-II and from Class- II to Class-I, no such reservation was provided
so far as promotions within Class-I were concerned. Only a Concession
(set out in the judgment) was provided in favour of Scheduled Cas-
E tes/Scheduled Tribes candidates with a view to enable them to obtain
promotions within Class-I which they may not have obtained otherwise. It
was held by this Court that such a concession can also be provided under
Article 16( 4). In short, it is open to the Stale, if it is so advised, to say that
while the rule of reservation shall he applied and the roster followed in the
n1attcr of pron1otions to or \Vithin a parlicul<Jr service, class nr category,
F
the candidate pron1oted earlier by virtue of. rule of reservation/roster shall
not be entitled to seniority over his senior in the feeder category and that
as and when a general candidate \vho \Vas senior to him in the feeder
category is pron1oted, such general candidate will regain his seniority over
the reserved candidate not\vithstanding that he is prompted subsequent to
G the reserved candidate. There is no unconstitutionality involved in this. It
is permissible for the State to so provide. The only question is whether it
is so provided in the instant ca.sc?

24. It is the common case of the parties before us that the rule of
H reservation in the Raihvay services - lo he more precise to the category of
lJ.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 179

Railway Guards, whether in· the matter of initial appointment or in the A
matter or promotion, from one grade to another, is provided by the
circulars/letters of the Railway Board. These circulars/letters have been
· issued by the Railway Board in exercise of the power conferred upon it by
Rule 123 of the statutory rules framed by the President of India. We have
referred to the circulars/letters of the Railway Board hereinbefore. In the B
circular/letter dated August 31, 1982 which deals with the subject of
"Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in promotion in
Group 'D' and 'C' (Class IV and III) on the basis of seniority-cum-
suitability" it is specifically ordered that while "posting of Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates on promotions in non-selection posts
should also be done as per the reserved points on the roster", such C
promotion shall be "subject to the condition that seniority of the Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates in comparison to order candidates will
continue to be governed by the panel position in the case of categories
where training is not provided and in accordance with the merit position
in the examination where training is provided". So far as the several grades D
among Railway Guards are concerned, the relevant service conditions do
not provide for any training followed by examination on promotion from
one grade to another. Hence, the seniority between the reserved category
candidates and general candidates in the promoted category shall continue
to be governed by their panel position. We have discussed hereinbefore the
meaning of the expression "panel" and held that in case of non-selection E
posts, no "panel" is prepared or is necessary to be prepared. If so, tlie
question arises, what did the circular/letter dated August 31, 1982 mean
when it spoke of seniority being governed by the panel position? In our
opinion, it should mean the panel prepared by the selecting authority at
the time of selection for Grade 'C'. It is the seniority in this panel which F
must be reflected in each of the higher grades. This means that while the
rule of reservation gives accelerated promotion, it does not give the ac-
celerated - or what may be called, the consequential - seniority. There is,
however, one situation where this rule may not have any practical
relevance. In a given case, it may happen that by the time the senior general
candidate gets promoted to the higher grade, the junior reserved category G
candidate (who was promoted to the said higher grade earlier) may got
promoted to yet higher grade. In other words, by the time the senior
general category candidate enters, say, Grade 'B', his junior Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidate is promoted to Grade 'A'. It is obvious
H
180 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A that in such a case, the rule evolved in the aforesaid circulars does not avail
the senior general candidate for there can be no question of any seniority
as between, say, a person in 'B' grade and a person in 'A' grade.

25. Now let us see how does the above principle operate in practice.
Selection is made for direct recruitment to Grade 'C' Guards. A panel is
B prepared by the selecting authority on the basis of and in the order of
merit. Appointments have to be made from out of this list/panel. But
appointment orders will not be issued in the order in which the candidates
are arranged in this select list/panel; they will be issued following the roster.
Suppose the forty-point roster is being operated afresh, then the first
c vacancy in the roster would go to a Scheduled Caste candidate though he
may be down below in the select list/panel. The candidate at SI. No.l in
the said select list - a general candidate - will be appointed in the second
vacancy. But once appointed, the general candidate (at SI. No. 1 in the
select list) will rank senior to the Scheduled Caste candidate though he
D (general candidate) is appointed subsequent to the Scheduled Caste can-
didate. Now take the case of promotions (based on seniority-cum-
suitability, i.e., non-selection posts) to Grade 'B'. Roster applies even to
promotions to Grade B'. Again assume that the forty-point roster is open-
ing now in Grade 'B'. The first vacancy has again got to go to a Scheduled
Caste candidate though he may not be the senior-most in Grade 'C'. The
E senior-most candidate in Grade 'C' (the general candidate, who was at SI.
No. 1 in the select list/panel and who regained his seniority on appointment
to Grade 'C' as aforestated) will be promoted in the next vacancy. But once
promoted, the general candidate again becomes senior to the Scheduled
Caste candidate though promoted subsequent to the Scheduled Caste
F candidate. And so on and so forth. It is in this manner that the rule of
reservation (and the roster) merely enables a reserved category candidate
to obtain an appointment or promotion, as the case may be - which he may
not have obtained otherwise or would not have obtained at the time he is
now getting - but it does not give him the seniority. In this sense, the rule
confers a limited benefit - a qualified benefit. We have already stated that
G such a rule of reservation does not fall foul of Article 16(4).

26. We are of the opinion that the aforesaid circulars/letters provid-
ing for reservation in favour of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tri! :s can-
didates, rosters and their operation and on the subject of seniority as
H between general candidates and reserved category candidates, being in the

.,
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P . .TEEVAN REDDY •.T.J 181

nature of special rules prevail over lhc general instructions contained in A
Volume-I of the Indian Railway Establishment Manual including those
contained in Paras 306, 309 and 319 ct u/. Accordingly, we agree with the
conclusion of the Tribunal in the order under ·appeal (Vi1pal Singh
Chauhan) though we may not agree with all the reasons given by the
Tribunal. In other words, we may not agree with the view expressed by the
B
Tribunal that a harmonious reading of Clauses (1) and (4) of Article 16
should mean that -a reserved category candidate promoted earlier than his
senior-general category candidate in the feeder category shall necessarily
be junior in the promoted category to such general category candidate. No
such principle may be said to be implicit in the ~aid clauses. But inasmuch
the Railway Board's circulars concerned herein do provide specifically for c
such a situation and since they cannot be said to be violative of the
constitutional provisions, they must prevail and have to be given effect to.
It is not brought to our notice that the said instructions are inconsistent in
any manner with any of the statutory provisions or statutory rules relevant
in this behalf.
D
27. So far as the other question considered by the Tribunal (\1z., that
once the representation of the reserved categories in a given unit of
appointment reaches the prescribed percentage, the rule of reservation or
the roster based on it cannot he given effect to), the Constitution Bench
decision of this Court in R.K. Sabhmwal v. State of Punjab, settles the issue. E
In this decision, it has been held that where the total number of posts in a
cadre reserved for reserved candidates are filled by operation of a roster,
the object of rule of reservation must be deemed to have been achieved
and that thereafter there would be no justification to operate the roster.
Para-5 of the said judgn1ent hrings out the reasons for the said rule and F
the rule itself :

''We see considerable force in_the second contention raised by the
learned counsel for the petitioners. The reservations provided
under the impugned Government instructions are to be operated
in accordance with the roster to be maintained in each Depart- G
mcnt. The roster is i1nplcn1ented in the form of running account
fro1n year to year. The purpose of 'running account' is to make
sure that the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and Backward
Classes get their percentage of reserved posts. The concept of
'running account' in the in1pugned instructions has to be so inter- H
182 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.
-~
A pretcd that it does not result in excessive reservation. '16% of the
posts .... ' are reserved for members of the Scheduled Castes and
Backward Classes. In a lot of JOO posts those falling al Serial
Numbers 1, 7, 15, 22, 30, 37, 44, 51, 58, 65, 72, 811, 87 and 91 have
been reserved and earmarked in the roster for the Scheduled
Castes. Roster points 26 and 76 are reserved for the members of
B
Backward Classes. It is thus obvious that when recruitment to a
cadre starts then 14 posts earmarked in the roster are to be filled
from amongst the members of the Scheduled Castes. To illustrate,
first post in a cadre must go to the Scheduled Caste and thereafter
the said class is entitled to 7th, 15th, 22nd and onwards upto 9lst
c post. When the total number of posts in a cadre are filled by the
operation of the roster then the result envisaged by the impugned
instructions is achieved. In other words, in a cadre of 100 posts
when the posts earmarked in the roster for the Scheduled Castes
and the Backward Classes are filled the percentage of reservation
provided for the reserved categories is achieved. We sec no jus-
D
tification to operate the roster thereafter. The 'running account' is
to operate only till the quota provided under the impugned instruc-
tions is reached and not thereafter. Once the prescribed percent-
age of posts is filled the numerical test of adequacy is satisfied and
thereafter the roster docs not survive. The percentage of reserva-
E tion is the desired representation of the Backward Classes in the
State Services and is consistent with the demographic estimate
based on the proportion worked out in relation to their population.
The numerical quota of posts is not a shifting boundary but
represents a figure with due application of mind. Therefore, the
F only way to assure ettuality of opportunity to the Back\vard Classes
and the general category is to permit the roster to operate till the
time the respective appointees/promotees occupy the posts meant
for them in the roster. The operation of the roster and the 'running
account' 1nust come to an en<l thereafter. The vacancies arising in
the cadre, after the initial posts are filled, will pose no difficulty.
G As and when there is a vacancy whether pcrn1anent or temporary
in a particular post the same has to be filled from amongst the
category to which the post belonged in the roster. For example,
the Scheduled Caste persons holding the posts at roster points 1,
7, 15 retire then these slots are to be filled from amongst the
H
U.0.1. V. V.S.CHAUHAN[B.P.JEEVANREDDY.J.] 183
~·

persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes Similarly, if the persons A
holding the post at points 8 to 14 or 23 lo 29 retire then these slots
arc to be filled from among the general category. By following this
procedure there shall neither be shortfall nor excess in the per-
centage of reservation."

28. The Constitution Bench has, however, made it clear that the rule B
enunciated by them shall operate only prospectively [vide Para 11[. It has
further been held in the said decision that the "percentage of reservation
has to be worked out in relation lo the number of posts which from the
cadre-strength (and that)° the concept of 'vacancy' has no relevance in
operating the percentage of reservation". (As a matter of fact, it is stated c
that this batch of cases were also posted for hearing before the Constitution
Bench along with R.K. Sabhaiwal batch of cases but these cases were
de-linked on the ground that they raise certain other issues which did not
arise in R.K. S_abhaiwal.) Be that as it may, as a result of the decision in
R.K. Sabhmwa/ and the views/findings recorded by us hereinabove, the D
following position emerges:

(i) Once the number of posts reserved for being filled by reserved
category candidates in a cadre, category or grade (unit for application of
rule of reservation) are filled by the operation of roster, the object of rule
of reservation should be deemed to have been achieved and thereafter the E
roster cannot be followed except to the extent indicated in Para-5 of R.K.
Sabhmwa/. While determining the said number, the candidates belonging
to the reserved category but selected/promoted on their own merit (and
not by virtue of rule of reservation) shall not be counted as reserved
category candidates.
F
(ii) The percentage of reservation has to be worked out in relation
to number of posts in a particular c~dre, class, category or grade (unit for
the purpose of applying_ the rule of reservation) and hot with respect to
vacancies.

(iii) So far as Railway Guards in Railway service are concerned - that G
is the only category we are concerned herewith - the seniority position in
the promoted category as between reserved candidates and general can-
didates shall be the same as their inter se seniority position in Grade 'C' at
any given point of time provided that at that given point of time, both the
general candidate and the reserved category candidates arc in the same H

-,.
184 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A grade. This rule operates whether the general candidate is included in the
same hatch of promotees or in a subsequent batch. (This is for the reason
that the circulars/letters aforesaid do not make or recognise any such
distinction.) In other words, even if a Schedule-0 Caste/Scheduled Tribe
candidate is promoted earlier by virtue of rule of reservation/roster than
his senior general candidate and the senior general candidate is promoted
B later to the. said higher grade, the general candidate regains his seniority
over such earlier promoted Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidate.
The earlier promotion of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidate
in such a situation does not confer upon him seniority over the general
candidate even though the general candidate is promoted later to that
c category.

29. If the above three rules are observed and followed, there may not
remain much room for grievance on the part of the general candidates.
While in the very scheme of things, it is not possible to give retrospective
effect to these rules - a fact recognised in R.K. Sablzwwal - the above rules,
D
operated conjointly, should go a long way in maintaining a balance between
the demands of merit and social justice.

30. Sri Rajeev Dhawan, learned counsel for the general candidates,
pointed out, what according to him, are the inequitable and anomalous
E
situations which wouid follow, if the candidate appointed/promoted on the
basis of rule of reservation is not confined to reserved posts alone and is
allowed to compete for general posts as well. In such a situation, he
submits, the reserved candidate will enjoy yet another - third - advantage.
Whenever, it is convenient lo hin1, he will claim to be considered for a
F reserved post and where it is more convenient to him, he will claim to be
considered for a general post, whereas a general candidate is restricted to
general posts alone. In our opinion,· however, the plea of the learned
counsel cannot simply be accepted; his submission flies in the fac~ of the
established law on the subject.
G
31. Sri Dhawan then pointed out that Rule 3 stated above is not
sufficient to do justice to the general candidates and that in practice, it has
resulted in denial of just rights to general candidates. He elaborates his
submission thus : a reserved category candidate may get promoted from
H Grade 'C' to Grade 'B' earlier than his senior general category candidate
:=.- . ll.01. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P.JEEVAN REDDY,J.] 185

(senior with reference to the select list/panel prepared at the time of A
selection to Grade 'C') by operation of rule of reservation/roster. The
general candidate who is senior to him in the said select list/panel may get
promoted to Grade 'B' later but what may happen, meanwhile, is that the
reserved category candidate is further promoted to Grade 'A'. In other
words, by the time the senior general category candidate gets promoted to B
grade 'B', the reserved category can<li<latc is no longer there in Grade 'B'
- he has ascended to Grade 'A'. In such a situation, there will be no
occasion for applying the aforesaid Rule 3 as between these two can-
didates. Sri Dhawan submits that this is precisely what has happened in the
case of Railway Guards. Even the Railway Administration has admitted
this situation in their counter, he says, though they have ascribed it to
c
inadequate representation of the reserved categories in the higher grades.
Sri Dhawan says that, in practice, the candidates belonging to reserved
categories got rapid promotions, leaving their erstwhile senior general
candidates in the category in which they were originally appointed. May be
that Sri Dhawan's complaint is true - we have already dealt with the D
possibility and consequence of such a situation - but his grievance, in effect,
is not against Rule 3 aforcstated but against the very ru]e of reservation
being applied in promotions. It may be recalled that in Indra Sawhney, eight
of the nine learned Judges constituting the Bench opined that Article 16(4)
does not permit or warrant reservation in the matter of promotions. This E
was precisely for the reason that such a rule results in several untoward
and inequitous results. The Bench, however, permitted the existing rules in
that behalf to operate for a period of five years from the date of judgment
based as those rules were on an earlier Constitution Bench decision in
Geneml Managw; Southem Railway & Anr. v. Rangachmi, [1962] 2 S.C.R. F
687. lt is another matter that since then a constitutional amendment has
been brought in permitting reservation in promotions to the extent of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes only, we need express no opinion
on the aside amendment.

32. Sri Dhawan points out yet another anomaly. Where a candidate G
belonging to Scheduled Caste gets selected on his own merit, i.e., in the
general category, he will be treated as a general candidate and 011 that
account he suffers prejudice vis-a-vis another reserved category candidate
who could not be selected on his own merit (i.e. in the general category)
H
'I'·
186 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A and was selected only because of and under the rule of reservation. For
illustrating his submission, learned counsel says, take an instance where out
of forty candidates selected, a Scheduled Caste candidate selected on merit
stands at S. No. 18 in the select list, whereas another Scheduled Caste
candidate selected under and only bec<J,llse of the reserved quota stands at
S. No. 33. But when the occasion for appoinlmenl arises, the Scheduled
B Caste candidate at SI. No. 33 will be appointed against the first rosler-
point, whereas the Scheduled Caste candidate al S. No. 18, heing a
general candidate has to wait for his turn. This, the learned counsel says,
amounts, in effect, to punishing the Scheduled Caste candidate at S. No.
18 for his merit. Because he was meritorious, he was selected in general
c category and is treated as a general candidate. He suffers all the disad-
vantages any other general candidate suffers while another Scheduled
Caste candidate, far less meritorious than him and who was selected only
by virtue of rule of reservation, steals a march over him in the matter of
initial appointn1cnt and in promotion after promotion thereafter. This is
undoubtedly a piquant situation and may have to be appropriately rectified
D
as and when the occasion arises. It is not pointed out that any such situation
has arisen in the appeals before us. It is probable that many such situations
may arise which cannot be foretold now. According to the general category
candidates concerned herein, of course, the rule of reservation/roster has
already given rise to many distortions. According to them, the repre-
E sentation of the reserved categories in Guard Grade 'A' Special has
reached forty percent as against the prescribed 22.5 percent. It is not
possible for us lo say, on the material before us, how and why the said
situation has come about. It may be partly because the rule now enunciated
in R.K. Sabhanval \Vas not there and \Vas not heing followed. It may also
he that such a result has been hrought about by a combined operation of
F
the factors mentioned in (i) and (ii) above. The fact remains that the
situation - assuming that it is what is described by the general candidates
- cannot be rectified with retrospective effcCt no\v. The Constitution Bench
in R.K. Sabhmwal too has directed that the rule enunciated therein shall
have only prospective operation. So far as the present appeals arc con-
G cerned, il is sufficient to direct that the Railway authorities shall hereinafter
follow Rules (i), (ii) and (iii) [stated in Para No. 28J with effect from the
date of judgment in R.K. Sabhanval i.e., February 10, 1995.

33. Learned counsel have sought to bring to our notice individual
H facts of some of the appeals before us but we do not propose to enter into
U.0.1. "· V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P. JEEV AN REDDY, J.J 187

those facts or make any pronouncement thereon. The proper course, in our A
considered opinion, is to send all these matters back to the Tribunal to
work out the rights of individuals concerned applying the three principles
aforesaid. These appeals are accordingly disposed of in the above terms
and matters .remanded to the respective Tribunals. Writ Petitions are
dismissed. No costs.
B
SELECTION POSTS

Civil Appeal No. 9276 of 1995 arising out of S.L.P. (C) No. 18370 of
1993:

34. Delay condoned. Leave granted.
c
35. This appeal arises from the judgment of Central Administrative
Tribunal (Madras Bench) allowing Original Application No. 869 of 1991
filed by the respondent, Sri D. Williams. The relevant facts drawn from the
counter filed on behalf of the Railway Board and its officials before the D
Tribunal, arc the following :

36. The cadre of Station Master is divided into five grades. The
grades and inter se percentage is as follows :

Percentage E
SI. Whether selection
Category & Grade distribution of
No. or non-selection
post in each grade
1. Asst. Station Master Recruitment/
10%
Rs. 1200-2040 Selection
2. Station Master
Non-Selection
F
70%
Rs. 1400-2300
3. Station Master/ T.J. Non-Selection/
10%
Rs. 1600-2660 Recruitment
4. Dy. Station Supdt./T.i.
Seiection 10%
Rs. 2000-3200 G
5. Station Supdt./T.I. 10% of posts in
Selection
Rs. 2375-3500 Rs. 2000-3200

37. The posts of Assistant Station Masters in the scale of Rs. 1200-
2040 arc filled by direct recruitment through Railway Recruitment Boards H

""
A
188 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

to the extent of fifty percent. The balance fifty percent is filled by promo-
tion of departmental employees. The higher grades in the said cadre arn
·-
filled by promotion from the immediately lower grade. Twenty five percent
of the posts in the scale of Rs. 1600-2660 are, however, filled by direct
recruitment of Traffic Apprentices.

B
38. The first respondent, Sri Williams (petitioner in the original
application before the Tribunal) was promoted to the post of Deputy
Station Superintcndent(fraffic Inspector in the scale of Rs. 2000-3200 on
December 30, 1989. Actually, he was initially appointed as a Signaller in
the scale of Rs. 60-150. Over the years, he earned promotions one after the
c other. In the scale of Rs. 130-240, he was senior to Respondent Nos. 4 to
10 in the original application (they are not impleaded as respondents in
this appeal), all of whom belong to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.
Because of rule of reservation and the manner in which it was imple-
mented, the said Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates were
D promoted to the higher categories sooner. They came to be promoted to
the post of Deputy Station Supcrintendentffraffic Inspector in the scale of
Rs. 2000-3200 far earlier to Sri Williams, i.e., on .January 1, 1984 or earlier.
On that basis, the said Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates were
being treated as seniors to Sri Williams whO is, of course, a general

E candidate.

39. The post of Station Supcrintendcnt(fraffic Inspector in the scale
of Rs. 2375-3500 are controlled by and dealt with at Head Quarter's level.
They are filled on "All Railway" basis by a process of selection (which
cn1npriscs of viva-voce only) fnn11 an1ong the Deputy Station Superintcn-
F
dents(fraflic Inspectors in the scale of Rs. 2000-3200.

40. Eleven vacancies arose in the scale of Rs. 2375-3500. According
to rules, three candidates have to be considered for every vacancy. Accord-
ingly, a list of thirty three senior-most candidates in the scale of Rs.
G 2000-3200 was prepared on the basis of their respective dates of entry in
the said grade. They were 'alerted' to be ready to appear for the interview
by a letter dated July 12, 1991. All the thirty three senior-most employees
so alerted belong to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes. Sri Williams was
not among the thirty three. ll is then that Sri Williams approached the
H Tribunal praying for setting aside the alert notice dated July 12, 1991, to

'
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P. JEEV AN REDDY, J.J 189

revise the seniority list of all the grades in the Station Masters' category A
protecting the seniority of general candidates and for a further declaration
that rule of reservation cannot be applied against vacancies. He sought a
further· declaration that the said rule of reservation is confined to recruit-
ment lo the scale of Rs. 1200-2040 alone i.e., lo the lowest grade in the
cadre - and nol to higher grades.
B
41. The Tribunal allowed the original application tiled by Sri Wil-
liams following its earlier decision in Original Application No. 85 of 1989.
The Tribunal declared that for the purpose of promotion under the general
quota, seniority of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates
should not be determined on the basis of the date of their actual promotion C
but on the basis of the date on which they would have been promoted in
due course if the rule of reservation were not applied. The Tribunal,
however, declared that the seniority in the grade of Rs. 1600-2660 shall not
be disturbed because the applicant had .not approached the Tribunal in
time to challenge the seniority in that scale. The relief granted by the D
Tribunal is in the following terms :

"Jn the result, we allow the application and pass the following
orders :··

We direct the respondents to revise the seniority of the applicants E
and respondents in the scale of. Rs. 2000-3200 taking into account
for the applicant his date of actual promotion and for the respon-
dents 4 to 10 the dale on which they would have been 6'l"anted
promotion in that grade but for the preferential treatment based
on reservation. Promotion shall be made according to a selection
based on the revised list.'' F

42. The learned Additional Solicitor General appearing for the ap-
pellants (Union of India and the Railways) challenged the correctness of
the decision of the Tribunal on the ground that it has evolved a principle
of seniority not recognised by any rule or circular order of the Railway
Board and is unsustainable in any event. He submitted, relying upon the G
decision in Karam Chand v. Haryana State Elec/licity Board, (1989] Suppl.
(1) S.C.C. 342 that the date of promotion to a particular grade or category
determines the seniority in that grade or category. Inasmuch as the said
thirty three candidates were alerted (called for) on the basis of their
seniority for interview (for selection to eleven posts in the grade of Rs. H
190 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A 2375-3500) \io valid grievance can be made by any one to such a course.

43. Sri S. Murlidhar, learned counsel for Sri D. Williams submits that
this is a demonstrable ca'c of injustice being done to general candidates
by applying not only the rule of reservation at every stage of promotion but
also because the rule of seniority enunciated by the Railway Board in its
B several circulars was not being followed by the concerned authorities. He
submits that it is for the Railways to explain how the situation has come
about where all the thirty three candidates being considered for eleven
vacancies happen to belong exclusively lo Scheduled Castes/Scheduled
Tribes categories. He submits that Sri Williams was admittedly a senior to
c Respondent Nos. 4 to 10 (in the original application, i.e., Scheduled Castes/
Scheduled Tribes candidates) in the grade of Rs. 130-240 but then the said
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates obtained rapid and
preferential promotion to next higher grades, viz., Rs. 330-560, Rs. 425-640,
Rs. 455-700, Rs. 1600-2660 and then to the grade of Rs. 2000-3200. They
D reached the grade of Rs. 2000-3200 more than five years earlier to Sri
Williams who was their senior in the lower category of Rs. 130-240. The
result of faulty implementation of rule of reservation and rule of seniority
is that all the top grades have come to be occupied exclusively by the
reserved category members, a situation, which he characterises as a total
negation of the Rule of Equality underlying Articles 16(1), 16(4) and 14.
E He emphasises the fact that the Railways have not explained in their
counter as to how the above situation has come about except stating baldly
that since the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates were seniors
to Sri Williams in the grade of Rs. 2000-3200, they were rightly alerted for
interview.
F
44. It is true that this case presents a rather poignant turn of events.
Of the thirty three candidates being considered for eleven vacancies, all
are Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates. Not a single candidate
among them belongs to general category. The learned counsel for the
respondent is justified in complaining that appellants have failed to explain
G how such a situation has come about. Not only the .iuniors are stealing a
march over their seniors but the march is so rapid that not only erstwhile
compatriots are left far behind but even the persons who were in the higher
categories at the time of entry of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
candidates in the service have also been left behind. Such a configuration
H could not certainly have been intended by the framers of the Constitution
U.0.1. v. V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 191

or the framers of the rules of reservation. In the absence of any explanation A
from the authorities, the best we can do is to ascribe it ;:is faulty implemen-
tation of the rule of reservation. In other \Vords, not only have the Railways
not observed the principle that the reservation must be vis-a-vis posts and
not vis-a-vis vacancies but they had also not kept in mind the rule of
seniority in the pro1notion posts enunciated in the Railway Board's cir-
B
culars referred to supra. Yet another principle which the authorities ap-
peared to have not observed in practice is that once the percentage
reserved for a particular reserved category is satisfied in that ~Grvice
category or grade (unit of appointment) the rule of reservation and the
roster should no longer be followed. Because of the breach of these three
rules, it appears, the unusual situation complained of by the general c
candidates has come to pass. The learned counsel for general candidates
i.s right that .such a situation is bound to lead to acute heart-burning among
the general candidates which is not conducive to the efficiency of ad-
ministration. Be that as it may, the question is can the said situation be
rectified. Probably not, until we direct all the promotions to be reviewed D
and re-done. This may not be advisable at this distance of time. The
enormity of the exercise should deter any one from launching upon such a
course. It is evidently for this reason that the Constitution Bench has
directed in R.K. Sabhmwal that the rule affirmed by them should be
applied only prospectively. There is yet another circumstance : the
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates cannot be barred from E
competing for general posts. We are constrained lo remark that it is the
application of rule of reservation in the matter of promotions_ - which
entitles a reserved category candidate to avail of the benefit of reservation
any number of times which is n1ainly responsible for such a situation.
F
45. While referring to the Railway Board's circulars/letters in civil
appeals No. 9272/95 (arising from S.L.P. (C) No. 6468 of 1987 and batch),
we had referred to the Railway Boards circular/letter dated .January 19,
1972 dealing with promotion to selection posts. (Para-3 of the said letter
is in the same terms as Para-4 of the Railway Board's circular/letter dated
August 31, 1982 referred to supra). The said Para-3 reads : "(3) The G
seniority of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes vis-u-1 is others will continue to be detern1ine<l as al prcsr.::nt, i,e.,
1

according to the panel position in the case of categories \Vhcre training is
not provided and in accordance \Vith the merit position in the exan1ination

,,. \Vhcre training is provided.' But inasmuch as the post of Station Superin- H
1
192 •· SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A tendentff.I. in the scale of Rs. 2375-3500 is a selection post, the panel
referred to in the said circulars/letlers Would mean the panel prepared at
the time of making selections for promotion to the said post (Rs. 2375-
3500) - and not the panel/select list prepared at the_ time of entry into the·
initial grade, viz., Assistant Station Master (Rs. 1200-2040). It also means
that members in one panel take precedence over the members in the next
B panel. The applicaticiO- of the rule of seniority referred to in the said
circular/letter - and other circulars/letters referred to supra most of which
do not make any distinction between selection and non-selection posts
has to be subject to the said limitation.

C ·46. It may be noticed that of the five grades in the Station Masters'
category, two are non-selection posts while the remaining three are selecc
tion posts. While in the case of non-selection posts the rule enunciated in
the main opinion Virpal Singh Chauhan would be applicable, in the case of
selection posts, the rule explained herein has to be followed. We may
clarify that Rules (i) and (ii) in Para 28 of Virpal Singh Chauhan apply to
D both selection and non-selection posts. Rule (iii) also applies to both but
subject to the above rider. As explained in the main opinion, while there
is no question of a "panel" being prepared at the time of promotion to
non-selection posts, a panel has to be prepared for promotion to selection
posts.
E
47. This appeal is accordingly allowed and the matter remanded to
the Tribunal with a direction to dispose of the original application afresh
in the light of the principles enunciated herein. No costs. ·

CWIL APPEAL NO. 9275 OF 1995 ARISING
F OUT OF S.L.P. (C) NO. 4102 OF 1994:

48. Delay condoned. Leave granted.

49. The respondent [petitioner before the Central Administrative
Tribunal (Allahabad Bench)], Sri Mohd. Sabir, joined the Railways as an
G Office Clerk on December 20, 1957. He was promoted as head Clerk and
then as an Assistant Superintendent. His promotion to the post of Assistant
Superintendent was on March 12, 1985. The neXt promotion is to the post
of Superintendent. He approached the Tribunal complaining that when two
vacancies arose in the category of Superintendents, the Railway Authorities
H called certain Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidirtes for interview

'
U.0.1. "· V.S. CHAUHAN [B.P. JEEV AN REDDY, J.] 193

in preference to him though they are far juniors to _him. He gave three A
instances, viz., (l) Sri A.P. Pramanik, who joined the service twenty years
after hin1 and \Vho \Vas promoted as Assistant Superintendent only on
February 22, 1988. (2) Sri Kamal Kishore, who was initially appointed as
Class IV employee but who is being treated as senior lo the petitioner and
(3) .Sri Amrendra Kumar Das, who was appointed as an Office Clerk
B
twenty two years after his appointment and who came lo be promoted as
Assistant Superintendent on February 25, 1986. The grievance of Sri Mohd.
Sabir is this : the total sanctioned strength of the category of Superinten-
dents (Grade Rs.2000-3200 RPS) is thirteen. There are three vacancies. Of
the remaining ten, only two are general candidates and the remaining eight
, belo_ng to Scheduled Castes. Inspite of the same, the candidates now being c
considered for promotion are again Scheduled Castes candidates which is
likely to result in an almost total reservation in the said category in favour
of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates. The case of the
appellants (respondents in the original application) is that they are con-
sidering the senior most candidates for the vacancies arising in the category D
of Superintendents and, therefore, no objection can be taken with the said
course by any one.

50. The Tribunal has allowed the original application in the following
terms :
E
"It appears that some mathematical mistake occurred on the part
of the department in making the promotion and deciding the
seniority. According to learned counsel in view of Vi1pal Singh
Clzauhan's case these candidates are to be reverted. Whether they
are to be reverted or not that is the matter for the respondents to F
decide all such observations which have been made in Vi1pal Singh
case, but the respondents are directed to promote the members of
the general community to the extent they arc entitled to by adher-
ing to the seniority. Accordingly, since the matter is not decided
finally by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, however those persons who
have already been promoted, it is for the respondents to make G
arrangement either for the excadre post for them otherwise if they
are now interested, keep them for the post of Supdt. and will adjust
the seniority list accordingly in accordance with Vilp.al Singh 's case.
Let all these be done within the period of three months from the
date of communication of this order. No order as to the costs." H
194 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1995] SUPP. 4 S.C.R.

A 51. This appeal is liable to be dismissed applying the principle
enunciated in R.K. SiJhharwa/. It is evident that out of the cadre-strength
of thirteen, there \Vere thn.:.c vacancies on the date of filing of the original
application before the Tribunal an<l of the ren1aining tl'.n posts, only t\vo
\Vere occupied by the gencr~tl candidates and the remaining eight were
occupied by the members of Scheduled Castes. Since the representation of
B
Scheduled Castes is already far beyor.d their quota, no further Scheduled
Castes candidates could have been considered for the remaining three
vacancies. This means that the Scheduled Castes candidates can be con-
sidered only as and along with general candidates but not as members
belonging to a reserved category. The appeal is accordingly dismissed with
c the aforesaid clarification.

CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9274 OF 1995 ARISING
OUT OF SL.I'. (C) NO. 6924 OF 1988:

52. Delay condoned. Leave granted.
D
53. This mal!er pertains to promotion to the posts of Office Super-
intendents Grade-I, Office Superintendent Grade-II and Head Clerk. The
original application was filed by three candidates belonging to general
category. Their grievance w,as that the representation of Scheduled Cas-
E tes/Scheduled Tribes candidates has already exceeded the percentage
reserved for them a11d mspite of that the Scheduled Castes candidates are
again being considered tor the vacancies arising in the said categories. By
way of illustration, they pointed out, the sanctioned strength of the category
of Head Clerks is six. Four arc filled up and there are two vacancies. Out
F of the four posts already filled up, two are held by general category
candidates and two by the memoers of Scheduled Castes. The claim of the
original petitioners (respondents in this appeal), which has been upheld by
the Calcutta Tribunal, is that the remaining two vacancies should go only
to general candidates. Similar direction h(:js been made with respect to
other two categories as well. The Tribunal further directed that the rule of
G reservation must be applied with refe·rence to posts and not with reference
to vacancies. The n1ain contention of the Union of India and the Railway
Authorities in this appeal is that the rule of reservation in favour of
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes should be applied to vacancies and not
to total number of posts in the cadre. ll is submitted that the Tribunal was
H in error in holding that the rule of reservation should be so applied as to
U.0.1. v. VS CHAUHAN [B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 195

·ensure that the posts held by Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes do not A
exceed that prescribed percentage. It is submitted that this was never the
intention of the Constitution or the rule of reservation.

54. The only contention urged by the appellants herein is concluded
against the appellants by the decision of this Court in R.K. Sabhanval,
referred to hereinbeforc. Following the said decision this appeal is dis- B
missed with the clarification that the members of Scheduled Cas-
tes/Scheduled Tribes can also compete as general candidates. The
appellant shall follow and apply the said decision. No costs.

Before parting with these appeals, we feel obliged to reiterate the C
principle affirmed in Indra Sawhney that providing reservation in promo-
tion is not warranted by Article 16(4). The facts of these cases illustrate
and demonstrate the correctness of the said holding. They also bring home
the intractable problems that arise from such provision - problems that defy
solutions. No more need we say on this aspect. The decision in Indra
Sawhney speaks for itself. D

B.K.M. Appeal dismi5sed.