K. Ramaswamy, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. We have heard learned counsel on both sides.

3. This appeal by special leave arises from the Division Bench Judgment of Punjab and Haryana High Court, made on November 5, 1996 in C. W. P. No. 8755/96.

The appellants general candidates, viz., Jagdish Lal, Ram Dayal and Surinderjit Kapil, challenged the promotion of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates (for short, the reserved candidates), viz., Ram Asra, H. S. Hira, Sant Lal and Ajmer Singh, as Superintendent in Class-III Service of Haryana Government. Respective appointments of the appellants and the respondents have been reflected in the judgment of the High Court as under ;

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4. In the lowest cadre post, i. e., Clerks and Assistant, in the Education Department, admittedly, the appellants were senior to the respondents. But as Deputy Superintendents, Respondents Nos. 1 and 2 were promoted respectively on May 26, 1982 and October 27, 1983, while the appellants were promoted on different dates viz., October 27, 1987, January 16, 1989 and February 2, 1996. Sixth respondent, Sant Lal was promoted on November 4, 1987, that is prior to the promotion of Surinderjit Kapil. Equally, respondent No. 7, Ajmer Singh also was promoted earlier to Ram Dayal and Surinderjit Kapil on October 31, 1988. While working as Deputy Superintendent, Ram Asra was promoted to the post of Superintendent on September 4, 1987; H. S. Hira was promoted as Superintendent on May 27, 1988, while the first appellant, Jagdish Lal was promoted on April 1, 1990 and Ram Dayal, appellant No. 2 was promoted on August 9, 1991; Sant Lal, respondent No. 6 was promoted on February 8, 1990, that is, prior to the promotion of Jagdish Lal as Superintendent. Equally, Ajmer Singh, 7th respondent was promoted as Superintendent on July 1, 1990, that is, prior to the promotion of second appellant, Ram Dayal on August 9, 1991. While all of them were working as Superintendents, H. S. Hira was further promoted on ad hoc basis w. e. f. February 2, 1996, for a period of 4 months and from May 31, 1996, on regular basis, in his own right, as Registrar (Education) which post is now classified as Class I post. On June 4, 1996, the appellants filed a writ petition claiming that right from the post of Clerk up to the post of Superintendent, the Class III Service of the Education Department, they were senior to the reserved candidates. Though they were promoted on the basis of rule of reservation applying the 100 point roster maintained by the Government, they stole a march over the appellants who were being members of the same Class III Service. They further claimed that though the reserved candidates had got promotion to the different posts earlier to them, the appellants still were entitled to be senior to them for the purpose of promotion to Class I posts. As a consequence, they were entitled to be considered for promotion before consideration of the reserved candidates including H. S. Hira, the fifth respondent as Registrar (Education). The sheet anchor of their case was the decision of this Court in Ajit Singh Januja v. State of Punjab, 1996 (2) JT (SC) 727 : 1996 AIR SCW 1996. The High Court dismissed the writ petition inter alia on the ground of abnormal delay in challenging the promotion of the reserved candidates to the post of Asstt. Dy. Superintendents and Superintendents. It observed that though the reserved candidates were promoted on different dates as Superintendents etc. earlier to the appellants, they having become members of the Service in the lower cadres earlier to the appellants, were entitled to be considered for further promotion to the higher ladders of the Service; their promotions are not vitiated by any error of law. The Haryana Education Deptt. (State Service Class II) are governed b the Haryana Education Deptt. (State Service Group B) rules, 1980 (for short, the Rules). R.11 of the Rules deals with seniority. By operation thereof the reserved candidates become senior to the appellants in the respective cadres. Fifth respondent, H. S. Hira was promoted to Group B Class-I Service in his own right as a general candidate as there was no reservation. Therefore, their promotion is valid in law. It was also held that even otherwise, since the promotions of the reserved candidates came to be made prior to the decision in Sabharwals case, (1995 AIR SC 1371), they could not be declared invalid. The High Court has pointed out that "Here it is important to mention that as on the date of promotion of respondent No. 4 on the post of Superintendent, the petitioners had not been promoted even as Deputy Superintendents. Similarly, as on the date of promotion of respondents Nos. 4, and 5, the petitioner No. 2 had not been promoted as Deputy Superintendent and so far as petitioner No. 3 is concerned, he came to be promoted as Deputy Superintendent after almost 8 years and 6 months of the promotion of respondent No. 4; after 7 years and 9 months of the promotion of respondent No. 5; and after almost 4 and 5 years and 6 months of the promotion of respondents Nos. 6 and 7 as Superintendents. Thus the petitioners cannot have any claim to be assigned seniority over and above respondents No 4 to 7 as Superintendents." The High Court negatived the contention that the appellants were denied of right to equality on account of application of rule of reservation and roster point violating Art.14 and 16 of the Constitution. The High Court further pointed out thus :

"A careful reading of the various decisions of the Apex Court and the decision of this Court, shows that in R. K. Sabharwals case, their Lordships were primarily concerned with the interpretation of the policy circulars issued by the Government of Punjab regarding reservation in favour of the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes and operation of the roster system. In Virpal Singh Chauhan case, the Apex Court was dealing with circulars issued by the Railway Board with particular reference to the letter dated 31st August, 1982 and held that the word "Panel" used in that circular meant the panel prepared by the recruiting authority at the time of initial entry in the service and that the seniority of the employees in the higher grades must also be determined with reference to their panel position. This very principle has been reiterated in Ajit Singhs case in which circular issued by the Government of Punjab and the judgment of the Full Bench case in Jaswant Singhs (supra) came up for consideration. The Division Bench which decided Madan Lals case simply applied the observations made in the three decisions of the Supreme Court and held that reserved categories employees have no right to be assigned seniority on the promoted posts over and above the general category employees who were senior in the lower cadre and who got promotion in the next higher post on a later date. However, in Akhil Bhartiya Soshit Karamchari Singhs case (supra) their Lordships clarified that the principles laid down in R. K. Sabharwals case and Virpal Singh Chauhans case (supra) will operate prospectively and not retrospectively.

In our opinion, none of these decisions is of any help for interpreting rules relating to seniority which have been extracted above. In none of the decisions, their Lordships of the Supreme Court interpreted a rule like the one which is under consideration before us. No doubt in Madan Lals case a similar rule has been referred to but instead of interpreting that rule the Division Bench has limited its consideration in the context of the observations made by the Supreme Court in Ajit Singhs case (supra).

We are of the opinion that in view of the clear language used in the substantive part of R.11 and its first proviso, seniority will have to be determined in different cadres and categories of posts because the services governed by the Rules of 1974 and 1980 consist of different cadres. Posts of Registrar, Assistant Registrar (Examinations), Budget Officer and Superintendents constitute different cadres, and therefore, seniority will have to be determined in each cadre separately. Similarly, the post of Deputy Superintendents, Assistants and Clerks recruitment to which is governed by 1974 Rules constitute different cadres and seniority will have to be determined separately in each of these cadres and the general principle laid down in Ajit Singhs case cannot be applied for the purpose of determination of seniority in a case like the present one.

On the basis of above discussion, we hold that :

(i) the writ petition deserves to be dismissed on the ground of delay and laches in so far as challenge to the promotion of the respondents as Superintendents / Registrar is concerned;

(ii) the principles laid down in Virpal Singh Chauhans case (supra) and Ajit Singhs case (supra) will operate prospectively and will not affect promotions of reserved category candidates which were made prior to the decision in R. K. Sabharwals case (supra) or Virpal Singh Chauhans case (supra);

(iii) the decision in Virpal Singh Chauhans case and Ajit Singhs case cannot be applied in a case like the present one where the seniority is required to be determined in different cadres and categories of posts. In the absence of any challenge to the vires of R.11 the petitioners cannot claim fixation of their seniority above the Respondents Nos. 4 to 7 who were promoted as Deputy Superintendents earlier than the petitioners."

5. Shri Rohtagi learned counsel for the appellants, contended that in all the posts / grades starting from that of Clerk to Superintendent in Class III Service and the post of Budget Officer, Assistant Registrar and Registrar in Group B Class I Service by operation of ratio of Ajit Singh case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196) and Union of India v. Virpal Singh Chauhan, 1965 (6) SCC 684 : 1995 AIR SCW 4309, seniority is required to be determined keeping the seniority of the general and reserved candidates in the lower grade / cadre in tact as all the posts are of the same Service. As soon as the general candidates get promoted to the higher cadre, the inter se seniority of the general candidates and the reserved candidates is required to be redetermined on the basis of their inter se seniority in the feeder grade / cadre. That was the view taken by this Court in Veerpal Singh Chauhan case. Even though the reserved candidates were promoted earlier to the general candidates, the inter se merit between the general candidates and the reserved candidates in Group B Class I Service should be redetermined. The promotion is required to be given to Class I Service on that basis. Promotion at various levels in Class II Service is also, accordingly, required to be given and the seniority determined. As soon as the general candidates get promoted, even though later to the reserved candidates, they have right to have their seniority restored. As a consequence, the general candidates are eligible to be considered for promotion in higher posts before consideration of the reserved candidates in Class I Service treating all of them as general candidates since for the fist time the inter se rights are being considered in Class-I Group B Service. This interpretation given in Chauhans case, (1995 AIR SCW 4309) and Ajit Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), is consistent with the principle laid down in Art.14 and 16(1) of the Constitution granting equality of opportunity to both the general as well as the reserved candidates. The absence thereof would negate the right to equality to general candidates violating Art.14 and 16(1) of the Constitution. The mere delay in filing the writ petitions cannot be made the base to deny the relief to the general candidates. The right to equality being a constitutional mandate, as and when the right is required to be determined, the Court has to consider the facts of each case and decide it on merits. The High Court, therefore is wrong in law. Shir Prem Malhotra, learned counsel for the State, contended that whatever be the earlier legal position, after the judgment of Ajit Singhs case, the Government reexamined the matter and issued proceedings restoring the seniority of the general candidates in their respective feeder posts / cadres from which reserved candidates came to be promoted. The direction, it is contended, is consistent with and is in implementation of the law laid down by this Court. The High Court, therefore, is not right in refusing to grant the relief to the appellants. Shri K. S. Chauhan, learned counsel for the reserved candidates, contended that under R.11 of the Haryana Education Department Class III Service Rules, 1974 (for short, the "1974 Rules") and R.11 of the Rules provide for determination of seniority of the employees in the said Service. The Service as per 1974 Rules consists of various cadres, starting from Clerks to Superintendents in the Class III Service. Under 1980 Rules, the Gazetted Cadre consist of Budget Officers, Assistant Registrar (Education) and Registrar (Education) all of which constitute Class I Service. R.11 of the respective Rules is a substantive rule creating right to seniority. The moment the officer is appointed to the service / cadre on putting probation, on successful completion of the probation period and on being duly declared, they cease to be the members of the feeder cadre from which they came to be promoted, As and when the vacancies arise in the posts in the respective cadres as per the roster point, the candidates, whether general or reserved, are required to be considered for promotion and duly promoted in accordance with the existing Rules. They became members of the Service in the respective cadres of Class III or Group B Class I Service. The moment they started discharging the duties of the posts and on declaration of the successful and satisfactory probation period, they became full fledged members of that Service. They also ceased to be members of the feeding cadre. Therefore, the moment the termination of probation was declared, they ceased to be members of the Service of lower feeder cadre at various levels as cadre officers. The subsequent promotions to the general candidates do not have the effect of denying the seniority secured by the reserved candidates due to their early promotion. Even if promotions to Group B Class I Service are to be made without applying the rule of reservation, the reserved candidates having become senior the general candidates, are entitled to be considered for promotion as per Rules in their own merit. Accordingly, the 5th respondent came to be promoted to the post of Registrar (Education) in his own right. The appellants have no right to claim seniority over the respondents reserved candidates. He also contended that promotion to the reserved candidates is as member of the Dalits and Tribes as a Class. Constitutional right to equality enshrined under Art.14, the genus, and Art.16(1), the species thereof, provide for protective discrimination in favour of the Dalits and Tribes. Appointment by promotion to a post or Service under the State is a constitutional right given by Art.16(1) or (4A) of the Constitution. Therefore, when the reserved candidates are promoted in accordance with the Rules, applying rule of reservation, and are promoted to posts as per the roster and are appointed to the posts reserved for reserved candidates as per the roster, no unconstitutionality results and it is not discriminatory or arbitrary, violating Art.14 of the Constitution. He also contended that the reserved candidates were promoted long prior to the general candidates in Class III and Group B Class I Service. The writ petition came to be filed after Ajit Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196). The High Court, therefore, is right in dismissing the writ petitions on the ground of delay as well.

6. In view of the diverse contentions, the questions that arise for consideration are : from what date seniority of reserved or general candidates should be determined: Whether the accelerated promotions given to the reserved candidates to various cadres, applying the rule of reservation, will not ensure to them the seniority from the date of respective promotion Conversely, whether on the promotions given to the general candidates as per the roster point, the promotions will have the effect of giving them the seniority over the reserved candidates in the respective feeder / promoted cadres Whether the view taken by the High Court is correct in law In order to appreciate the contentions, it is necessary to refer to R.11 of the 1974 Rules and R.11 of the 1980, rules. They read as under :

"1974 Rules : R.11 : The seniority, inter se seniority of members of service shall be determined by the length of continuous service on post in the service;

Provided that where there are different Cadres or categories of the posts in service, the seniority will be determined separately for each cadre or category of posts;

Provided further that in the case of members appointed by direct recruitment, the order of merit determined by the commission shall not be disturbed in fixing the seniority and candidates recommended earlier shall be senior to the candidate recommended later;

Provided further that in the case of two or more members appointed on the same date, their seniority shall be determined as follows :

(a) a member appointed by direct recruitment shall be senior to a member appointed by promotion or by transfer;

(b) a member appointed by promotion shall be senior to a member appointed by transfer ;

(c) in the case of members appointed by promotion or by transfer, seniority shall be determined according to the seniority of such members in the appointments from which they were promoted or transferred; and

(d) in the case of members appointed by transfer from different cadres, their seniority shall be determined according to pay, preference being given to a member, who was drawing a higher rate of pay in his previous appointment and if the rates of pay drawn are also the same, then by the length of their service in the appointments, and if the length of such service is also the same, the older member shall be senior to the younger member.

"1980 Rules : R.11 : Seniority of members of the service : The seniority, inter se of members of the Service shall be determined by the length continuous service on a post in the service;

Provided that where there are different cadres or categories of posts in the service, the seniority shall be determined separately for each cadre or category of posts;

Provided further that in the case of members appointed by direct recruitment, the order of merit determined by the Commission shall not be disturbed in fixing the seniority and candidates recommended earlier shall be senior to the candidates recommended later :

Provided further that in the case of two or more members appointed on the same, date, their seniority shall be determined as follows:

(a) a member appointed by direct recruitment shall be senior to a member appointed by promotion or by transfer;

(b) a member appointed by promotion shall be senior to a member appointed by transfer;

(c) in the case of members appointed by promotion or by transfer, seniority shall be determined according to the seniority of such members in the appointments from which they were promoted or transferred; and

(d) in the case of members appointed by transfer from different cadres, their seniority shall be determined according to pay, preference being given to a member, who was drawing a higher rate of pay in his previous appointment and if the rates of pay drawn are also the same, they by the length of their service in the appointments, and if the length of such service is also the same, the older member shall be senior to the younger member."

7. 1974 Rules and 1980 rules mutatis mutandis are the same. R.2(9) of 1980 Rules defines "Service" to mean Haryana Education Department (State Service, Group B). Under R.3, the Service shall comprise the posts shown in Appendix A to the Rules. R. 4 prescribes the general eligibility criteria and R. 5 prescribes age requirement. R6. Prescribes educational qualifications as per Appendix B. R. 8 enumerates certain grounds for disqualifications for appointment to any post in the Service. Relevant part of R.9 with which we are concerned reads as under :

"9. (1) Recruitment to the Service shall be made, -

(a) in the case of Registrar,-

(i) from amongst the Assistant Registrar (Examinations), Budget Officer in the Service or by promotion from amongst the Superintendents in the Service;"

In other words, all feeder posts enumerated constitute source of recruitment to the post of Registrar.

"or

(c) in the case of Budget Officer :

(i) by promotion from amongst the Superintendents; or

(ii) by transfer or deputation of an officer of equivalent grade / experience, already in the service of Government of India or of any State Government.

(d) in the case of Superintendent, -

(i) by promotion from amongst the Deputy Superintendents, or Assistants in the Haryana Education Department (State Service, Group C) Services; or

(ii) by transfer or deputation of an officer of equivalent grade already in the service of Government of India or of any State Government; or

(iii) by direct recruitment."

(2) Whenever any vacancy occurs or is about to occur in the Service, the appointing authority shall determine in what manner such vacancy shall be filled.

(3) All promotions, whether from one grade to another or from one class of service to another class of service, shall be made by selection based on merit and taking into consideration seniority but seniority alone shall not given any right to such promotions.

8. On appointment so made, by operation of R.10, person appointed to any post in the Service shall remain on probation for a period of two years, if appointed by direct recruitment and one year if he is appointed otherwise (promotion). However, under proviso thereto, among others, any period before such appointment spent on deputation on a corresponding post or a higher post shall count towards the period of probation of one year. Under sub-rule (2) of R.10, if in the opinion of the appointing authority the work or conduct of a person during the period of probation is not satisfactory, it may (a) if such person is appointed by direct recruitment, dispense with his services; and (b) if such persons appointed otherwise than by direct recruitment (promotion) or transfer, (i) revert him to his former post; on (ii) deal with him in such other manner as the terms and conditions of his previous appointment permit. On completion of the period of probation by a person, under sub-rule (3), the appointing authority may (a) if his work or conduct has in its opinion, been satisfactory - (i) confirm such person from the date of his appointment, if appointed against a permanent vacancy; or (ii) confirm such person from date from which a permanent vacancy occurs, if appointed against a temporary vacancy: or in case of non availability of permanent vacancy (iii) declare that he has completed his probation satisfactorily and waits appointment to permanent vacancy; or (b) If his work or conduct has, in its opinion, not been satisfactory, - (i) dispense with his services, if appointed by direct recruitment or if appointed otherwise, revert him to his former post or deal with him in such other manner as the terms and conditions of his previous appointment permit; or (ii) extend his period of probation and thereafter pass such order, as it could have passed on the expiry of the period of probation. Under proviso, however, the total period of probation, including extension, if any, shall not exceed three years. it would thus be seen that on appointment to a post or a grade in the Service, either by direct recruitment or by promotion / transfer, the incumbent officer is required to be put on probation and on completion of the probation or extended probation period, up to a maximum of three years, the authority is enjoined to declare completion of his probation. In other words, he stands confirmed to the Service. He gets appointed to a permanent vacancy subject to availability and thereafter he becomes full fledged member of the Service. It is settled legal position that confirmation is an in glorious uncertainty. Continuous length of service; if appointed according to the Rules on consideration of claims of eligible persons as on that date as per rules accord seniority and gets counted from the date of initial appointment by direct recruitment / probation / transfer to the cadre / post.

9. The question then arises: as to from what date the seniority is required to be determined As seen, under R.11, the inter se seniority of the members of the Service shall be determined by the length of continuous service in a post in the Service. However, exceptions are carved out to the said general rule. Under the first proviso, where there are different cadres or categories of pots in the Service, the seniority shall be determined separately for each cadre or category of posts. The second proviso being not relevant for our purpose, is omitted. Under the third proviso, in case of two or more members are appointed on the same date, their seniority shall be determined in the following manner :

"(a) a member appointed by direct recruitment shall be senior to a member appointed by promotion or by transfer;

(b) a member appointed by promotion shall be senior to a member appointed by transfer;

(c) in the case of members appointed by promotion or by transfer, seniority shall be determined according to the seniority of such members in the appointments from which they were promoted or transferred;"

(Class (d) being irrelevant for the present purpose, is omitted)

10. Conjoint reading of the provisions referred to hereinabove would indicate that according to 1974 Rules, there exist in the Service Cadre / grades consisting of Clerks, Assistants, Deputy Superintendents, and Superintendents in the Service. Similarly, under 1980 Rules, there exist cadre / grade of Budget Officer, Assistant Registrar and Registrar. It is also seen that under the Rules appointment by promotion to Grade B-Class I, i. e., Gazetted cadre, is to be made from amongst the Budget Officer or Superintendents. Therefore, promotion to the post of Registrar (Education) one of the feeder posts is Superintendent. It is seen that as soon as a person is appointed to a cadre / grade, he starts discharging the duties of his continuous length of service from the date of appointment to the post and his seniority is determined on the basis of that date unless he is appointed only as a stop gap arrangement or on ad hoc basis and dehors the rules. In case of regular appointment, appointing authority is enjoined to put him on probation period of one year including the period spent on the higher post(s), unless the probation is extended up to a maximum of three years, he stands confirmed in the promoted post. Thus, his confirmation dates back to his initial date of appointment by promotion and by operation of R.11 administration the proviso referred to hereinabove, the seniority stands determined from the date of his appointment to the cadre / grade. It would thus be manifest that as soon as the candidate, whether general or reserved, gets promoted from one cadre, e. g., a Clerk is promoted as Assistant on his completion of probation and on declaration thereof, he gets confirmed as Assistant and becomes a member of the Service from the initial date of appointment by promotion. Equally, when an Assistant becomes Deputy Superintendent, the method of computation of seniority would be the same, viz., as soon as his probation is declared, he becomes a member of the Service. On availability of permanent post, he gets appointed to the post and thereafter ceases to be a member of the feeder / lower cadre. In this regard, under Fundamental R.14A(a) a Government Servants lien on a post may, in no circumstances, be terminated, even with his consent, if the result will be to leave him without a lien or a suspended lien upon a permanent post. Under Fundamental R.14A(d) a Government servants lien on a permanent post (whether under the Central Government or a State Government) outside the cadre on which he is borne. A conjoint reading, thus, would establish that a Government servant shall always have a lien on the post and, simultaneously, he shall not have right to hold any lien on more than one post. In other words, the articulated major premise is that an employee cannot simultaneously be a member of two posts / service / grade / cadre nor is he eligible to hold lien on two posts. On promotion from the post of Clerk as Assistant, on successful and satisfactory completion of probation and declaration thereof, he becomes a member of the Service in the cadre of Assistant and so on till the cycle is complete. Vice versa, there are various stages of promotion to the higher echelons of Service and the same resultant consequences follow. The same principle equally applies in Group B Service under 1980 rules. This principle is applicable equally to the general as well as reserved candidates. On this principle, there is and there should be no dichotomy and this is the settled service jurisprudence. In the case of appointment by promotion of Dalits and Tribes, no different yardstick should be applied. This is the normal / common phenomenon in service jurisprudence in Services under, either the Union Government or the State Government, or for that matter, semi government authorities / corporations / undertakings.

11. The question then is : whether such a rule becomes arbitrary or violative of equality enshrined under Art.14 read with Art.16(1) of the Constitution, when applied to Dalits and Tribes It would be appropriate at this stage to have the benefit of case law on the subject. In the All India administrative Service (SAS) Association v. Union of India, (1993) Supp 1 SCC 730, [LQ/SC/1992/795] in paras 14 and 15, a Bench of three Judges, to which one of us, K. Ramaswamy, J., was a member, had held that no one has a vested right to promotion or seniority but an officer has an interest in seniority acquired by working out the rules. In T. R. Kapoor v. Sate of Harayana, 1986 Supp SCC 584 [LQ/SC/1986/527] at 595 : AIR 1987 SC 415 [LQ/SC/1986/527] at p. 422, para 16, this Court observed that "unless it is specifically provided in the rules, the employees who are already promoted before the Amendment of the Rules, cannot be reverted and their promotions cannot be recalled". In State of Maharashtra v. Chandrakant Anant Kulkarni, 1981 (4) SCC 130 [LQ/SC/1981/374] : AI 1981 SC 1990, [LQ/SC/1981/374] another Bench of three Judges in paragraph 16 at page 141 had held that

"(M)ere chances of promotion are not conditions of service, and the fact that there was reduction in the chances of promotion did not tantamount to a change, in the conditions of service." In K. Jagadeesan v. Union of India, 1990 (2) SCC 228 [LQ/SC/1990/93] at 230 : AIR 1990 SC 1072 [LQ/SC/1990/93] at p. 1074, in para 6, it was held that " a right to be considered for promotion is a term of service. But mere chances of promotion are not"; so also the eligibility for promotion. Passing of the departmental examination is nothing but a mere chance of promotion. In Ashok Kumar Gupta v. State of U. P. 1997 (3) Scale 289 [LQ/SC/1997/543] at 299, para 22, this Court comprising all the three of us, had held that "in service jurisprudence, a distinction between a right and interest had always been maintained. Seniority is a facet of interest. When the Rules prescribe the method of selection / recruitment, seniority is given as per the ranking given and governed by such rules as was laid in the rules".

Similar view taken in A. K. Bhatnagar v. Union of India, 1991 (1) SCC 544 [LQ/SC/1990/701] , was upheld by this Court. In Akhil Bhartiya Soshit Karamchari Sangh v. Union of India, 1996 (6) SCC 65 [LQ/SC/1996/1479] : 1996 Air SCW 3691, to which two of us, K. Ramaswamy and G. B. Pattanaik, were members, this Court had held that no member of the service has a vested right to promotion or seniority but an officer has an interest in seniority acquired by working out the rules. In Md. Shujat Ali v. Union of India, 1975 (1) SCR 449 [LQ/SC/1974/187] : (AIR 1974 SC 1631 [LQ/SC/1974/187] ), a constitution Bench had held that a rule which confers a right of actual promotion or a right to be considered for promotion is a rule prescribing conditions of service. In Mohd. Bakar v. Krishan Reddy, 1970 Serv LR 768, a Bench of three Judges had held that any rule which affects the promotion of a person, relates to conditions of service. In State of Mysore v. G. N. Purohit, 1967 Serv LR 753, a Bench of two Judges had held that rule which merely affects chances of promotion cannot be regarded as varying the condition of service. Chances of promotion are not conditions of service. In Syed Kahlid Rizvi v. Union of India, 1993 Supp (3) SCC 575, to which one of us K. R. S., J. was a member, it was held in para 31 that no employee has a right to promotion; the only right is that he is entitled to be considered for promotion according to rules. Chances of promotion are not conditions of service which are defeasible in accordance with the rules. Thus, it is settled principle in the service jurisprudence that mere chances of promotion are not conditions of service and a candidate appointed in accordance with the rules can steal a march over his erstwhile seniors in the feeder / lower cadre. On his having satisfactorily completed probation and declaration thereof, he is given seniority in the higher cadre. He becomes a member of the higher cadre from the date of starting discharging duty of the post to which he is promoted unless otherwise determined in accordance with the rules. From that date, he ceases to be a member of the feeder cadre / grade from which he was promoted. The hierarchical promotions to various cadres mentioned hereinabove operate in the same manner and thereby on successive promotions to various cadres / grades, though in the same service, one would steal a march over others, be they general or reserved candidates.

12. On promotion to the higher cadre, the reserved candidate steals a march over general candidates and becomes a member of the service in the higher cadre or grade earlier to the general candidates. Continuous length of service gives him the seniority as determined under R.11. Therefore, seniority cannot get reopened, after the general candidate gets promoted to the higher cadre / grade, though he was erstwhile senior in the feeder cadre / grade. Would a dual principle of seniority of Dalits and Tribes and general candidates is valid and constitutionally permissible If a positive finding in that behalf is recorded, it would run contrary to the breed role of judicial precedents and it would be fraught with irreconcilable incongruities in matters of integrating employees drawn from different streams to forge into common seniority or promoted according to rules which hither to is well trenched in service jurisprudence. In State of U. P. v. Dr. Dina Nath Shukla, 1997 (2) JT (SC) 467 : 1997 AIR SCW 1105, (para 8) it was held that the craving for equality generates clash of interest and competing claims amongst the people, for emancipation of the Dalits and Tribes from the pangs of absolute prohibition of legal equality under Art.15(2) to (4) and Art.16(4) and 4(a) read with the Directive Principles, protective discrimination has poured forth practical content, softened the rigour of legal equality and given practical content of equality in opportunity in favour of unequals to hold an office or post under the State in the democratic governance. In paragraph 9, it is further stated that in a democracy governed by rule of law every segment of the society is entitled to a share in the governance of the country. Permanent bureaucracy is a facet of our democratic governance and an integral scheme of the Constitution. Recruitment to a post or an office under the State is governed by the Constitution, law and the rules made under proviso to Art.309 of the Constitution or administrative instructions in the absence of statutory rules. Protective discrimination has been upheld by this Court which connotes mitigation of absolute equality in order to achieve equality in result in favour of the disadvantaged segments of the society. Appointment to an office or post gives an opportunity to have equality of status and dignity of person. The object, thereby, is to provide economic equality. Social equality gets realised through facilities and opportunities given to the Dalits and Tribes to live with dignity and with equal status in the society. Economic equality also gives socio economic empowerment, a measure to improve excellence in every walk of life. Equal opportunity of appointment to a post or office is available to all citizens and legitimately and constitutionally entitles them to consider their claims for employment / appointment to an office or post in accordance with rules. Art.335 mandates the States that in the filed of competition the claims of Dalits and Tribes shall be taken into consideration consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration. The reservation in appointment or promotion in favour of Dalits and Tribes is constitutional right under Art.16(1) and 16(4A) read with Art.46 and other related Articles. Reservation in promotion was upheld by this Court in R. K. Sabarwal v. State of Punjab, 1995 (2) SCC 745 [LQ/SC/1995/223] : 1995 AIR SC 1371. It is well settled constitutional principle that reservation in favour of Dalits and Tribes is in favour of the community but no to the individuals belonging to that community, although other (sic) ultimate beneficiaries are individuals. In Dr. Jagdish Saran v. Union of India, 1980 (2) SCC 768 [LQ/SC/1980/35] : AIR 1980 SC 820 [LQ/SC/1980/35] , it was held that Dalits and Tribes for the purpose of admission under Art.15(4) stand as a class. "The Constitution has assigned a special place for that factum and the problems of inherited injustice demanding social surgery which, if applied thoughtlessly in other situation, may be a remedy which extenuates their malady." In other words, in social surgery of effectuating actuality in results, reservation in favour of Dalits and Tribes is a resultant surgical remedy to the malady. In Dr. Pradeep Jain v. Union of India, 1984 (3) SCC 654 [LQ/SC/1984/157] : AIR 1984 SC 1420 [LQ/SC/1984/157] , which was approved in Indira Sawhneys case, (1992 AIR SCW 3682),, three Judge Bench in this behalf had poignantly portrayed the imperative to accord protective discrimination. Now the concept of equality under the Constitution is a dynamic concept which takes in its sweep every process of equalisation under the under the canopy of protective discrimination.

13. Equality must not remain mere idle incantation but must become a vibrant living reality for the large masses of people. In a hierarchical society with an indelible feudal stamp and incurable actual inequality, it is absurd to suggest that progressive measures to eliminate group disabilities and promote collective equality are antagonistic to and anathema of equality on the ground that every individual is entitled to equality of opportunity based purely on merit mantra judged by the marks obtained by him. We cannot countenance such a suggestion, for to do so would make the equality clause become sterile and perpetuate existing inequalities. Equality of opportunity is not simply a matter of legal equality. Its existence depends not merely on the absence of disabilities but on the presence of abilities and opportunity for excellence in each cadre / grade. Where, therefore, there is inequality, in fact, legal equality always tends to accentuate inequality. It is, therefore, necessary to take into account de facto inequalities which exist in the society and in order to bring about real equality, affirmative action fills the bill and allows to give preference to the socially and economically disadvantaged persons by inflicting handicaps on those more advantageously placed. Such affirmative action though apparently discriminatory, is calculated to produce equality in results on a broader basis by eliminating de facto inequalities and placing the weaker sections of the community on a footing of equality with the stronger and more powerful and disadvantaged sections so that each member of the community, whatever is by his birth, occupation or social position, may enjoy equal opportunity of using to the full, his natural endowments of physique, of character and of intelligence. This principle was approved and reiterated by the Constitution Bench in Marri Chandra Shekhar Rao v. Dean, Seth G. S. Medical College, 1990 (3) SCC 130 [LQ/SC/1990/290] . It would, thus, i.e. a settled constitutional principle that facilities and opportunities should be given to the Dalits and Tribes for promotion to higher cadre or grade, gain accelerated seniority by the Dalits and Tribes and delimit the seniority of the erstwhile general candidates in the lower cadre or grade in accordance with the roster point. Thereby, the Dalits and Tribes are general candidates in the lower cadre or grade in accordance with the roster point. Thereby, the Dalits and Tribes are getting an accelerated placement in the higher echelons of cadre or grade. It is constitutionally a permissible classification bearing reasonable nexus to the object of equality in results as component of economic and social empowerment. It is just and reasonable procedure prescribed to achieve the constitutional objectives of equality in result, of status and opportunity and dignity of person to integrate them in the mainstream of the national life, as per the arch of the Constitution, i. e., the Preamble, Art.14, 15, 16 and 46 and all other related Articles of the Constitution consistent with the efficiency of administration envisaged under Art.335 of the Constitution.

14. In A. K. Gupta v. State of U. P., 1997 (3) SCALE 289 [LQ/SC/1997/543] at p. 302 para 28, we have held that as regards the competing claims between Dalits and Tribes on the one hand and the general candidates on the other, Art.14 and 16(1) render a balancing right to equality in result adjusting the competing right of all sections. In Ahmedabad St. Xaviers College Society v. State of Gujarat, 1975 (1) SCR 173 [LQ/SC/1974/170] at p. 252 : AIR 1974 SC 1389 [LQ/SC/1974/170] at p., a larger Bench of nine Judges had held that to establish equality, if it would require absolute identical treatment of both the minority and majority, that would result only in equality in law but inequality in fact. Equality in law precluded discrimination of any kind whereas equality in fact may involve the necessity of differential treatment in order to attain a result which establishes an equilibrium between different situations. This Court held that the fundamental rights are to be construed broadly so as to enable the citizens to enjoy the fundamental rights by succeeding generations. In A. K. Guptas case, therefore, it was held that "to give adequate representation to the Dalits and Tribes in all posts or classes of posts or services to make it a reality and truism, facilities and opportunities are required to be provided to the Dalits as enjoined in Art.38 for the purpose of achieving equality of representation as a real content. In para 30, it was observed that in abstract application of equality under Art.14, every citizen is treated alike without there being any discrimination. Thereby, the equality, in fact, subsists. Equality prohibits the State from making discrimination among citizens on any ground. However, inequality in fact without differential treatment between the advantage and disadvantage subsists. In order to bridge the gap between inequality in results and equality in fact, protective discrimination provides equality of opportunity. Those who are unequals cannot be treated by identical standards. Equality in law certainly would not be real equality. In the circumstances, equality of opportunity depends not merely on the absence of disparities but on the presence of abilities and opportunities. De jure equality must ultimately finds its raison dêtre in de facto equality. The State must, therefore, resort to protective discrimination for the purpose of making people, who are factually unequal, equal in specific areas. It would, therefore, be necessary to take into account de facto inequality in which exists the society and to take affirmative action by giving preferences and making reservation in promotions in favour of the Dalits and Tribes or by inflicting handicaps on those more advantageously placed, in order to bring about equality. Such affirmative action, though apparently discriminatory, is calculated to produce equality in result on a broader basis by eliminating de facto inequality and placing Dalits and Tribes on the footing of equality with non tribal, non Dalit employees so as to enable them to enjoy equal opportunity in order to unfold their full potentiality. Protective discrimination envisages in Art.16(4) and 16(4A) is the armour to establish the said equilibrium between equality in law and equality in results as a fact to the disadvantaged. The principle of reservation in promotion provides equality in results.

15. It is true that Indra Sawhenys ratio on reservation in promotion became a torch bearer to the general candidates but before it could become pathfinder, the Parliament enacted 77th Constitution (Amendment) Act and brought on the Constitution Art.16(4A) as a part of the Constitutional Scheme of reservation in promotion to a post. The legislative judgment put off the steam generated by Indra Sawhneys case, (1992 AIR SCW 3682). It is constitutionally a valid principle which was declared to be so in several judgments referred to and followed and ultimately held as valid in A.K. Guptas case, (1997 (3) SCALE 289 [LQ/SC/1997/543] ).

16. Vir Pal Singh Chauhans case, (1995 AIR SCW 4309), followed by Jit Singh case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), created euphoria among general candidates that reservation in promotion, though till then had by the Dalits and Tribes, slided back in the seniority scale to the bottom as and when the general candidates in their own turn had got promotion to higher echelons of service. The question is: whether it is really so and whether it interjected the normal service jurisprudence of continuous officiation in a post or a cadre, unless promotion is not in accordance with rules In Direct Recruits Class II Engineering Officers Association v. State of Maharashtra, 1990 (2) SCC 715 [LQ/SC/1990/294] : AIR 1990 SC 1607 [LQ/SC/1990/294] , the Constitution Bench had held in respect of preposition No. 1 in paragraph 47 that once an incumbent is appointed to a post according to rule, his seniority has to be counted from the date of his appointment and not with reference to the date of his confirmation. The corollary of the above rule is that where the initial appointment is only ad hoc and not according to rules and is made as a stop gap arrangement, the officiation in such post cannot be taken into account for purpose of determination of the seniority. To appreciate the effect and the real impact of the above two decisions, it is necessary to look into the facts therein. In Vir Pal Singh Chauhans case the principle consideration for promotion was seniority under the rules made by in Railway Establishment Code. The Railway Board issued circular letter dated August 31, 1982, which referred the word penal. It was a case of pure seniority rule. Explaining the meaning of the worked Panel prepared by the recruiting authority and in the absence of any specific rules as regards the nature of the effect of seniority in the higher cadre / grade, the Bench of two Judges considered its effect and held that the word panel used in that circular meant the panel prepared by the recruiting authority at the time of initial entry into service and that the seniority of the employees in the higher grade was also held to be determined with reference to the placement in the initial appointment. It is settled legal position that the ratio decidendi is based upon the facts actually decided. It is an authority for those facts. In the light of the factual position in the lower cadre of the general as well as reserved candidates, this Court in Vir Pal Chauhans case, had held that though the Dalits and Tribes were promoted earlier to the general candidates to a higher cadre / grade, in the absence of such a panel prepared in the promoted cadre / grade, the panel prepared in the lower cadre remained to be operative. Consequent, on promotion of the general candidates, the inter se seniority vis a vis reserved candidates remained the same as was found in the lower cadre. That was the real ratio in that case, on the basis of the circular letter referred to herein before. Accordingly, the said ratio, as pointed out by the High Court, does not help the appellant general candidates for the reason that R.11 of 1974 Rules of 1980 Rules expressly occupies the field and determines their inter se seniority in each cadre / grade with reference to the date on which the candidates, be it reserved or general, entered into the service in the promoted cadre / grade. Vir Pal Chauhans case, (1995 AIR SCW 4309), therefore, is a class of its own and of no assistance when the rules occupy the field governing the seniority position in a particular manner. The Rules alone are required to be looked into and seniority determined in accordance therewith. In fact, this Court in Vir Pal Chauhans case, further pointed out that when reserved candidates were promoted from the initial stage to further stage, circular letter had no application and the seniority of the reserved candidates was required to be determined on the basis of seniority of the reserved candidates was required to be determined on the basis of seniority position occupied by him in the promoted post. This clearly explains that this Court did not intend to depart from the normal service jurisprudence; nor did not intend to lay down any separate rule of interpretation in determining inter se seniority of the reserved candidates and the general candidates and their fusion into common seniority in the higher echelons yielding placement of seniority to the general candidates over the erstwhile junior reserved candidates. Equally, the ratio in Ajit Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), as rightly pointed out by the High Court, is inapplicable. It did not lay down any separate rule in that behalf. In that case it was not brought to the notice of this Court the existence of operation of the service conditions and seniority rule like R.11 of the Rules in this case in each grade / cadre or services in Punjab and Haryana Secretariat service or Civil Services. On the other hand, this Court was invited to deal with the circular letters issued by the Punjab and Haryana Government, on the subject of reservation rules. The primary question before the Full Bench of Punjab and Haryana High Court in Jaswant Singh v. Secretary Govt. of Punjab and Haryana, 1990 (4) Serv LR 257: 1990 Lab IC 559, was whether the reserved candidates were eligible for consideration for promotion to the general vacancies It was held that they were entitled. The further question was: whether their placement should be in the roster point reserved for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, or they are required to be adjusted in the general vacancies specified in the roster In Sabharwals case, (1995 AIR SC 1371), the Constitution Bench upheld that the reserved candidates are entitled to compete with the general candidates for promotion to the general post in their own right. On their selection, they are to be adjusted in the general post as per the roster and the reserved candidates should be adjusted in the points earmarked in the roster to the reserved candidates. Since a slight deviation to that principle was required to be considered in other cases, Ajit Singh case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), and other cases were delinked. These cases were dealt with in Ajit Singhs case. Therein the question was as to the effect of the consideration of inter se claims of reserved candidates and general candidates to the post / vacancy available to the general candidates. In that background, this Court considered in Ajit Singhs case, that since the reserved candidates promoted according to the principle of reservation earlier to the general candidates were not considered, the general candidates and reserved candidates are required to be considered for promotion to the general vacancies on the basis of erstwhile seniority. The inter se seniority in the lower cadre is required to be considered and to that extent the advantage had by the reserved candidates of earlier promotion was not relevant. It is also to be noted that the criterion for promotion in Ajit Singhs case was seniority cum merit or merit cum seniority in which event the principle of seniority also gains relevancy and is one of the factors to be taken into consideration. It is settled legal position that if the selection is to be made for promotion on the principle of merit and ability, the more meritorious, though junior, steals a march over the less meritorious senior candidates, be it general or reserved candidate. In this case H. S. Hira has stolen a march over his senior Dalits. Where merit and ability are approximately equal, only the seniority in the lower cadre becomes relevant. When the merit cum seniority or seniority cum merit principle is to be applied, as stated earlier, the seniority being a relevant factor, this Court in Ajit Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), had held that the advantage of prior promotion to the reserved candidates is not material circumstance when the general and reserved candidates together are considered for promotion to a higher cadre / grade. The ratio in Ajit Singh case should be understood in the above backdrop and perspective. If so understood, this Court in Ajit Singhs case had not laid down any contra principle to the settled legal service jurisprudence; nor it intended to cut down the effect of the rules in vogue for determination of the inter se seniority in each cadre / grade in accordance with the Rules. Therefore, it is a simplistic euphoria to think that at all events the earlier promotions had by the reserved candidates have been slided down and put back in the vanguard of the erstwhile seniority position in the feeder cadre / grade. If this clarity of thought is kept in fore front, there is no occasion to adopt a mistaken application of the principle to all facts in all circumstances. In Ajit Singhs case, this Court did not, therefore, intend to lay down any principle contra to the settled legal principle that continuous officiation to a promoted post in accordance with the rules gives right to seniority. The observation of this Court in Ajit Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), that any other rule of construction would be arbitrary violating Art.14 is required to be understood in that backdrop and context. As stated in A. K. Guptas case, (1997 SC 490), and approved in Indra Sawhneys case. (1992 AIR SCW 3682), the right to equality to the reserved candidates is a fundamental right under Art.16(1) read with Art.14 which itself guarantees a fundamental right. After the Constitution (77th Amendment) Act, Art.164(4A) gives fundamental rights to the Dalits and Tribes to promotion to a post or a service in the State. The protective discrimination is a contour to bring about equality in results in the Dalits and Tribes. It is a facet of equality under Art.14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution. Therefore, when competing rights between general and reserved candidates require adjudication and adjustment with the right of general candidates, the doctrine of violation of Art.14 has no rule to play since protective discrimination itself is a facet of Art.14 and it does not again deny equality to the reserved candidates. Therefore, in Ajit Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), when this Court had held that such a rule of reservation would be violative of Art.14 and arbitrary, it does not appear to have meant to destroy the protective discrimination which is a consistent thread running through all situations when reservation was applied in favour of the reserved candidates and the equality in results is achieved. Thus, we hold that the euphoria had by the general candidates from the ratios in Vir Pal Chauhans case, (1995 AIR SCW 4309) and Ajit Singhs cases, (1996 AIR SCW 1196), is short lived; it does not help in so realising the correct implications arising from the aforesaid ratios. It is settled law that administrative instructions supplement the law but do not supplant the law. It fills only yawning gaps. The administrative instructions issued by the Haryana Government after Ajit Singhs case flies in the face of statutory R.11 of the rules. Therefore, it crushes itself with the grinding teeth of the above statutory R.11 and the principles. Thus considered, we hold that the view taken by the High Court in that behalf is correct in law and is not vitiated by any infirmity in law. We further hold that the reserved candidates became senior to the general candidates in each successive cadre / grade from Assistant to superintendent in Class II Service and 5th respondent in Class I Service. Their seniority is not and cannot have the effect of getting wiped out after the promotion of general candidates from their respective dates of promotion. The general candidates remain junior in higher echelons to the reserved candidates as was held by the High Court.

17. That apart, as this Court has repeatedly held, the delay disentitles the party to the discretionary relief under Art.226 or 32 of the Constitution. It is not necessary to reiterate all catena of precedents in this behalf. Suffice it to state that the appellants kept sleeping over their rights for long and elected to wake up when they had the impetus from Vir Pal Chauhan and Ajit Singhs ratios. But Vir Pal Chauhan and Sabharwals cases, kept at rest the promotion already made by that date, and declared them as valid; they were limited to the question of future promotions given by applying the rule of reservations, to all the persons prior to the date of judgment in Sabharwals case, (1995 AIR SC 1371), which required to be examined in the light of law laid in Sabharawals case. Thus, earlier promotions cannot be reopened Only those cases arising after that date would be examined in the light of the law laid down in Sabharawals case and Vir Pal Chauhans case, (1995 AIR SCW 4309) and equally Ajit Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 1196). If the candidate has already been further promoted to the higher echelons of service, his seniority is not open to be reviewed. In A. B. S. Karamchari Singhs case, (1996 AIR SCW 3691), a Bench of two Judges to which two of us, K. Ramaswamy and G. B. Pattanaik, JJ were members, had reiterated the above view and it was also held that all the prior promotions are not open to judicial review. In Chander Pal v. State of Haryana, (W. P. No. (C) Nos. 4715-18/93 dated December 4, 1996), a Bench of two Judges consisting of S. C. Agrawal and G. T. Nanavati, JJ. Considered the effect of Virpal Chauhans, Ajit Singh, Sabharwal and A. B. S. Karamchari Singhs cases and held that the seniority of those respondents who had already retired or promoted to higher posts could not be disturbed. The seniority of the petitioner therein and the respondents who were holding the post in the same level or in the same cadre would be adjusted keeping in view, the ratio in Vir Pal Chauhan and Ajit Singhs cases; but promotion, if any, had been given to any of them during the pendency of this writ petition, was directed not to be disturbed. Therein, the candidates appointed on the basis of economic backwardness, social status or occupation etc. were eligible for appointment against the pot reserved for backward classes if their income did not exceed Rs. 18,000/- per annum an they were given accelerated promotions on the basis of reservation. In that backdrop, the above directions came to be issued. In fact, it did not tough upon Art.16(4), or 16(4A). Therefore, desperate attempts of the appellants to re do the seniority had by them in various cadres / grades though in the same services according to 1974 Rules or 1980 Rules, are not amenable to judicial review at this belated stage. The High Court, therefore, has rightly dismissed the writ petition on the ground of delay as well.

18. Thus we hold that the decision of the High Court is not vitiated by any error of application of wrong principle of law warranting interference.

19. The appeal is accordingly dismissed but, in the circumstances, without costs.