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Issues involved:
Promotion to Indian Forest Service cadre based on assessment by Selection Committee u/s I.F.S. (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1966. Allegations of irregularities in grading eligible officers leading to challenges and directions for review by Tribunal and High Court. Details of the Judgment: Issue 1: Assessment and Promotion Criteria The Selection Committee, as per Regulations, assesses State Forest Service Officers for promotion based on Annual Confidential Reports and overall service records. The Committee categorizes officers as "outstanding", "very good", "good", or "unfit" and prepares a Select List accordingly. The methodology for grading officers was strictly followed by the Committee. Issue 2: Challenges and Review Process Challenges arose when officers, like Shri L.P. Tiwari and Shri D.P. Dwivedi, contested their grading and placement in the Select List. The Tribunal found irregularities in the Selection Committee's process for the year 2001 and directed a review. The High Court upheld this decision, leading to appeals by the Union Public Service Commission. Issue 3: Judicial Review and Expertise The Court emphasized that expert committee evaluations should not be easily interfered with by courts lacking necessary expertise. No allegations of mala fides were raised against the Selection Committee. The Tribunal's reliance on past Annual Confidential Reports was deemed erroneous, as it widened the scope of selection beyond the Regulations. Conclusion: The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the judgments of the Tribunal and High Court. It was concluded that the Selection Committee had adhered to the prescribed methodology for grading officers, warranting no interference. The High Court's decision was overturned, and no costs were awarded in the matter.
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