"The question, however, stands concluded by a Three Judge
decision of this Court in Union of India and Ors. Vs.
K.B.Jankiraman & Ors. (1991 (4) SCC 109 in which the same
view has been taken. We are in respectful agreement with
the above decision. We are also of the opinion that if on the
date on which the name of a person is considered by the
Departmental Promotion Committee for promotion to the
higher post, such person is neither under suspension nor has
7
any departmental proceedings been initiated against him,
his name, if he is found meritorious and suitable, has to be
brought on the select list and the "sealed cover" procedure
cannot be adopted. The recommendation of the
Departmental Promotion Committee can be placed in a
"sealed cover' only if on the date of consideration of the
name for promotion, the departmental proceedings had
been initiated or were pending or on its conclusion, final
orders had not been passed by the appropriate authority. It
is obvious that if the officers, against whom the
departmental proceedings were initiated, is ultimately
exonerated, the sealed cover containing the
recommendation of the Departmental Promotion
Committee would b e opened, and the recommendation
would be given effect to."