In Brief
Promoted Assistant Engineers at Punjab State Electricity Board challenged denial of time-bound promotional scales (applicable after 9/16 years of service) granted to directly recruited officers junior to them. The Supreme Court held that promoted officers cannot claim parity with direct recruits lacking equivalent qualifications. The Second Circular (1990) applies only to direct recruits and A.M.I.E.-qualified promotees reserved under quota. Diploma-holding promotees are governed by the First Circular, which grants time-bound scales only if not promoted within 9/16 years. Constitutional equality (Articles 14, 16) permits differential treatment based on qualification distinctions. Appeals dismissed."
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