The Court was considering an appeal concerning The Himachal Pradesh Recruitment and Promotion Rules, 1966 dated March 1,1966 which govern the post of Labour Officer.
In November 2006, the Rules were amended.
Three labour inspectors approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court challenging the State Government’s decision to fill up some of the posts of Labour Officers by direct recruitment as opposed to promotions as was required under the old rules.
They contended that the vacancies arose in July 2006, which is before the promulgation of the New Rules and therefore all the vacancies must be filled only by promotion.
The High Court proceeded on the premise that the issue was covered by Rangaiah and allowed the petition moved by the labour officers.
This prompted the State Government to approach the Supreme Court by way of the instant appeal.
Source: Barandbench