In Brief
Raju Narayana Swamy, an IAS officer of the 1991 batch, challenged his non-promotion to Chief Secretary grade in Kerala. The Screening Committee found him unsuitable despite his academic brilliance, noting that 90% of his ACRs were unavailable and his post-2016 service record showed disciplinary lapses, including a year-long unauthorised absence. The Supreme Court upheld the decision, holding that while excellence must be recognised, it should not create a superiority complex hindering discipline and collegiality. The Court found no procedural irregularity or mala fide conduct in the Committee's decision and dismissed the appeal, noting the High Court had already given the appellant an opportunity to regenerate his missing ACRs for reconsideration."
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