Jaswinder Singh And Ors vs Punjab State Water Resources ... on 16 March, 2026
"15. A Constitution Bench in Sant Ram Sharma
v.State of Rajasthan [Sant Ram Sharma v. State of
Rajasthan, AIR 1967 SC 1910: (1968) 1 SCR 111]
considered the applicability of the letters issued by the
Government of India detailing the administrative
practice for promotions, against the Indian Police
Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, 1954. The
Constitution Bench held that: (AIR p. 1914, para 7)
"7. We proceed to consider the next contention of
Mr N.C. Chatterjee that in the absence of any statutory
rules governing promotions to selection grade posts the
Government cannot issue administrative instructions and
such administrative instructions cannot impose any
restrictions not found in the Rules already framed. We
are unable to accept argument as correct. It is true that
there is no specific provision in the Rules laying down
the principle of promotion of junior or senior grade
officers to selection grade posts. But that does not mean
MONIKA VERMA
2026.03.25 17:57
I attest to the accuracy and
authenticity of this order/judgment
chandigarh
CWP-30579-2025(O&M) -9-
that till statutory rules are framed in this behalf the
Government cannot issue administrative instructions
regarding the principle to be followed in promotions of
the officers concerned to selection grade posts. It is true
that Government cannot amend or supersede statutory
rules by administrative instructions, but if the rules are
silent on any particular point Government can fill up the
gaps and supplement the rules and issue instructions not
inconsistent with the rules already framed.