सुरिंदर सिंह बनाम पंजाब राज्य
| Citation | (1997) 10 SCC 576 |
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Date | 5 November 1997 |
| Year | 1997 |
| Bench | S.B. Majmudar, M. Jagannadha Rao JJ. |
| Acts/Articles | Article 311, Article 14 |
| Category | Service & Employment Law |
Key Principle Established
Reversion from a higher post to the lower cadre is not a punishment if the employee held the higher post only in an officiating or temporary capacity. The employee has no vested right in the higher post.
A government servant holding a higher post in officiating capacity was reverted to his substantive post. He challenged this as a reduction in rank amounting to punishment without inquiry under Article 311(2).
The Court held that reversion of an officiating employee to the substantive post is not a punishment. Since the employee had no right to the higher post, reversion is merely a return to the post to which he belongs. Article 311(2) protection applies only when there is a reduction in rank as punishment.
This judgment clarified the important distinction between reversion and reduction in rank, frequently arising in government service disputes.
2014 SCC OnLine P&H 22487
Government policy on regularization of contractual employees under HKRNL must be implemented uniformly. Selective application violates Article 14.
Read Analysis(2008) 9 SCC 284
University recruitment must follow UGC norms and guidelines. Appointments made in violation of minimum qualification requirements are void ab initio.
Read Analysis(1993) 2 SCC 411
Recruitment bodies must follow fair and transparent selection processes. Any irregularity in the recruitment process vitiates the entire selection.
Read AnalysisThis judgment summary is for educational and research purposes. While care has been taken to accurately represent the ratio and findings, for authoritative reference always consult the original judgment text from official sources (SCC Online, AIR, Manupatra, or court websites).
22+ years of practice before Punjab & Haryana High Court and Supreme Court of India.