As per the case facts, two judicial officers challenged the promotion process used by the High Court of Gujarat for Civil Judges (Senior Division) to Additional District Judge posts. They ... contended that the High Court incorrectly applied a 'Seniority-cum-Merit' principle, rather than the mandated 'Merit-cum-Seniority' under Rule 5(1)(I) of the 2005 Rules, by assessing suitability and then ranking candidates primarily by seniority. The appeal to the Supreme Court sought clarity on the correct application of the promotion principles. The question arose whether the High Court of Gujarat incorrectly applied the 'Seniority-cum-Merit' principle instead of 'Merit-cum-Seniority' for promotions, as mandated by the 2005 Rules, and what precisely constitutes 'Merit-cum-Seniority' for promotion to the cadre of District & Sessions Judges. Finally, the Supreme Court concluded that the challenged final Select List adhered to the 'Merit-cum-Seniority' principle as outlined in Rule 5(1)(I) of the 2005 Rules. The petition was dismissed, and the Court clarified that its decision did not invalidate promotions made by other High Courts based on their specific rules and service requirements. SC