As per case facts, the appellant, a Joint Director of Industries, filed a writ petition challenging government orders appointing respondents to Class I posts earlier than him. He claimed seniority, ... unfair treatment, and discriminatory non-consideration for promotions to higher posts in various departments, including Principal, Deputy Director, Joint Director, and Director of Technical Education and Training, while junior officers were promoted. He argued that the Orissa School of Mining Engineering, initially considered ex-cadre, was integrated, making all appointees eligible for common cadre promotions. The question arose whether the appellant's claims of seniority and right to promotion, despite a belated challenge spanning decades, had merit, especially when the Public Service Commission did not recommend him or when specific qualifications were required which he lacked. Finally, the Supreme Court upheld the Tribunal's decision that the writ petition lacked merit. It reasoned that the State had the power to prescribe qualifications, which the appellant sometimes lacked (e.g., Mining Engineering degree for Principal). Merit, not just seniority, was crucial for higher posts. Furthermore, interfering at such a belated stage would disrupt settled positions and create complications in the cadre. The appeal was dismissed.