In Brief
A man was shortlisted for compassionate appointment in Bihar Home Guard but rejected for failing physical fitness tests. After 11 years, the Supreme Court directed his appointment. He joined in 1996 but later claimed seniority from 1985 (the original order date). The High Court granted retrospective seniority. On appeal, the Supreme Court held that seniority accrues only from actual date of joining service, not from an earlier date when the employee was not on the cadre. The Court noted he delayed raising the claim for 6 years after joining and never requested retrospective effect initially. The appeal was allowed and retrospective seniority was denied.
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