In Brief
Reserve Sub-Inspectors of Police transferred and appointed as Sub-Inspectors (Civil) under the Andhra Pradesh Police Subordinate Service sought eligibility for appointment as Inspectors under the Andhra Pradesh Police Service. They contended their total service (including Reserve Sub-Inspector tenure) should count toward the required six-year eligibility period. The Supreme Court held that A.P. Police Subordinate Service and A.P. Police Service are distinct services with non-interchangeable posts. Although transferred Sub-Inspectors retain seniority from their original Reserve Sub-Inspector appointment date, only their service as Sub-Inspector (Civil) counts toward Inspector eligibility. The Court distinguished transfer from recruitment by transfer, emphasizing that eligibility requirements cannot be waived by seniority; eligibility applies to all equally and must be satisfied before promotion consideration.
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