As per case facts, the respondent, S.N. Dubey, was assigned 1977 as his year of allotment for seniority in the Indian Administrative Service. He challenged this, seeking 1971, contending that ... the proviso to Rule 3(3)(c) of the Seniority Rules was unconstitutional. The Tribunal agreed, quashing the initial orders and directing 1971. The Union of India appealed. Additionally, other officers, whose seniority was adversely affected by this change, filed a Review Petition, challenging the Tribunal's decision and the interpretation of the rules. The question arose regarding the correct year of allotment for S.N. Dubey for seniority in the Indian Administrative Service, specifically concerning the validity and application of the proviso to Rule 3(3)(c) of the Indian Administrative Service (Regulation of Seniority) Rules, 1954, which restricts the allotment of a year earlier than a State Civil Service officer with longer service. Finally, the Supreme Court held that the proviso to Rule 3(3)(c) is valid and suffers no infirmity. It reiterated that the length of service of a non-State Civil Service officer cannot be equated with that of a State Civil Service officer for seniority. Therefore, the respondent's year of allotment cannot be determined earlier than 1977, as originally assigned. The Tribunal's order quashing the initial allotment was set aside, and the original determination of 1977 was upheld.