In Brief
Maj. Gen. Manomoy Ganguly sought appointment as Director General Medical Services (Army) after his promotion to Lieutenant General. The Armed Forces Tribunal appointed him directly, interpreting 'inter se seniority and suitability' as seniority-based with suitability as a secondary consideration. The Supreme Court partly allowed the Government's appeal, holding that 'inter se' requires comparative assessment of suitability among eligible officers, not mere seniority preference. However, the Court declined to uphold the Tribunal's direction for straightaway appointment. Instead, it remitted the matter to the Raksha Mantri for fresh, objective consideration applying correct legal principles, directing decision within one week.
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