Summarize the following court judgment. Appeal Nos. 691 97 of 1993. From the Judgment and Order dated 3.9.1991 of the Rajasthan High Court in D.B. Civil Writ Petition Nos. 2221	 2353 and 3222 of 1990. P.P. Rao	 V.M. Tarkunde	 Sushil K. Jain	 A.P. Dhamija	 Sudhanshu Atreya	 Aruneshwar Gupta	 Ms. Mamita Naroola and Pushpandra Singh Bhatia for the Appellants. P. Chidambaram	 Pallay Shishodia	 A.P. Medh and R.M. Tahija for the Respondents. The Judgment of the Court was delivered by VERMA	 J. Leave granted. These appeals by special leave are by the State of Rajasthan and certain candidates whose promotions are adversely affected by the impugned judgment of the Rajasthan High Court. The dispute in the writ petitions filed in the High Court was between members of the Rajasthan Educational Service belonging to Group 'E ' and Group 'F pertaining to their rival claims for promotion to the posts of principal Higher Secondary School	 which posts are in Group 'D '	 Section II of the Rajasthan Educational Service. The dispute between these two groups arises from the fact that in the Rajasthan Educational Service Rules	 1970 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Rules ')	 the aforesaid two groups 'E ' and 'F ' are clubbed together as the feeder cadre for promotion to Group 'D '	 Section II	 even though in the service hierarchy the lowest is Group 'F '	 above which is Group 'E ' and then comes Group 'D '. In the writ petitions filed in the High Court	 the writ petitioners challenged the constitutional validity of this provision in the Rules clubbing together Group 'E ' and Group 'F for the purpose of promotion to Group 'D '. Section II on the ground that unequals had been equated. The High Court has allowed these writ petitions and held that item No. 1(a) in column 5 under the head "Group 'D ' Section II" of 1091 Schedule 1 to the Rules as also Item No. 1 in Schedule 11 under the head 'Group 'D ' Section 11" in column 5 are unconstitutional	 being violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. Accordingly	 the High Court has quashed the orders promoting members of Group 'F to posts in the Group 'D '. It is this judgment dated 3.9.1991 of the Rajasthan High Court which is challenged in these appeals by special leave by the State of Rajasthan and members belonging to Group 'F of the Service whose promotions are quashed. Before we refer to the relevant provisions	 mention may be made of the rival contentions before us Shri P.P. Rao	 learned counsel for the aggrieved Group 'F teachers	 advanced several arguments. He submits that the Rules require preparation of a combined seniority list of an eligible members of Group 'E ' and 'F and prescribed the placing of those in Group 'E ' en bloc above the persons belonging to Group 'F; and it is also prescribed that amongst those selected for promotion to Group 'D '	 the pre existing inter se seniority within the Group and also between the two groups is to be maintained	 that is	 all those from Group 'E ' are to rank above those from Group 'F. He submits that the interpretation and working of the Rules in this manner	 which is the case of the State Government	 is in consonance with Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. His next submission is that reservation of a percentage of the promotion quota to be filled exclusively on the basis of merit does not violate the guarantee of equality since it promotes the object of greater efficiency as those considered in the merit quota are all qualified and eligible for promotion. His further submission is that Rule 25(5) applies to promotion to the next higher grade from the lowest grade while Rule 25 (6) applies to promotions to all other higher grades. In other words	 for promotion from Group 'F to Group 'E '	 Rule 25(5) applies while for promotion from Group 'F directly to Group 'D ': Rule 25(6) applies. He also submitted that Rule 23A does not apply where promotion to a higher grade is from more than one grade. Shri Aruneshwar Gupta	 appearing for the State of Rajasthan	 adopted the arguments of Shri Rao. He also submitted that the writ petitioners having appeared for interview before the D.P.C. and taken their chance	 they are precluded from making the challenge when they failed to get selected. Shri V.M. Tarkunde	 who appeared for one of the aggrieved appellants	 supported Shri Rao and made some more submissions. Shri Tarkunde submitted that the difference between members of Group 'F and Group 'E ' is not substantial since both of them had been 1092 functioning as Headmasters and discharging similar duties so that they were equally suitable and qualified for promotion as Principal of a Higher Secondary School. Shri Tankunde submitted that no person belonging ' to Group 'E ' found suitable for promotion to Group 'D ' was left out and	 therefore	 filling the remaining vacancies from amongst suitable and qualified persons belonging to Group 'F ' cannot be violative of the rights	 if any	 of those in Group 'E ' who were not promoted because they were not found suitable for promotion. Learned counsel also submitted that qualitatively those promoted from Group 'F ' were	 according to the service record	 not inferior to persons lower down in Group 'E 'who had not been selected and the principle of equation adopted was fair to all. It was also shown with reference to the particulars of those not selected for promotion from Group 'E ' and those found suitable for promotion in Group 'F ' that the principle adopted and applied was fair and reasonable	 with no element of arbitrariness. In reply	 Shri Pallay Shishodia	 learned counsel for the respondents	 who arc persons not selected for promotion from Group 'E ' to Group 'D '	 attempted to support the impugned judgment. In all	 there were 14 such persons who filed the three writ petitions in the High Court. The main argument of Shri Shishodia is that ex facie clubbing of Group 'F '	 a lower cadre	 with Group 'E ' for promotion to Group 'D '. Section II	 violates the equality clause. Shri Shishodia contended that the explanation now given by the State Government to justify the promotions made is not based on a policy adopted and followed	 but on the fortuitous circumstances which have emerged from the results of the promotions. Shri Shishodia also submitted that the yardstick was applied equally rigidly to members of Group 'E ' as to those from 'F ' when it should have been more stringent for those in Group 'F ' which was a lower grade. In order to satisfy ourselves that the policy adopted by the State Government was fair in its application to members of both Group 'E ' and Group 'F	 we directed the State Government to produce the relevant material including the particulars of candidates selected for promotion and those not found fit for promotion in Group 'E '	 as also the guidelines followed. On examination. of those details	 we are satisfied that the net result of the working of the Rules in accordance with the principle adopted has been fair and it cannot be held that those not selected for promotion in Group 'E ' have been dealt with unfairly	 in any manner	 to justify 1093 quashing the promotions made at this selection. We may	 however	 observe that it would be advisable for the State Government to lay down more clearly its policy for the future to avoid even the semblance of treating unequals as equals for the purpose of promotion	 in consonance with the well known maxim that 'justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done. We do hope that the State Government would take advantage of the experience gained from this litigation to dispel the misapprehension from the minds of a section of its employees who think that the State 's action is not fair. Obviously the High Court was denied the benefit of the material which the State Government placed before us	 on our directions	 which enabled us to remove the gloss of seeming inequality in the policy adopted under the Rules read with the guidelines for its working. We may first refer to the relevant parts of the Rajasthan Educational Service Rules	 1970. "PART II CADRE 4. Composition and strength of the Service (1) The Service shall consist of the posts as arranged in the various groups specified in the Schedule. (2) The nature of posts included in each group of the Service shall be as specified in Column 2 of the Schedules. (3) The strength of posts in each group of the service shall be such as may be determined by the Government from time to time. (4) There shall be separate cadres in each Group of Service specified in the Schedules I to VI such as Schedule I for Boys Institutions. Schedule II for Girls Institutions. Schedule III for Science and General Institutions. 1094 Schedule IV for Institutions of Language Studies. Schedule V for Institutions of Physical Education	 and Schedule VI for Institutions of Arts	 Music and others. The posts mentioned in each Group of service in a particular Schedule shall be interchangeable within the same Group of an)	 Schedule provided such posts carry identical time scale of pay. Initial Constitution of the Service The Service shall consist of (a) all persons holding substantively the posts specified in the Schedule; (b) all persons recruited to the Service before the commencement of these rules; and (c) all persons recruited to the Service in accordance with the provisions of these rules. PART III RECRUITMENT 6. Methods of Recruitment Recruitment to the Service after the commencement of these rules shall be made by the following methods in the proportion indicated in column 3 of the Schedule	 namely (a) by direct recruitment in accordance with provisions of Part IV of the rules; and (b) by promotion in accordance with the provisions of Part V of these rules: xxx xxx xxx 8C Power to remove difficulties : 1095 The State Government may for the purpose of removing any difficulty in regard to other matters regarding recruitment	 probation	 confirmation	 promotion etc. and in im plementation of provisions of rules 6A and 6B	 make any general of specific order as it may consider necessary or expedient in the interest of fair dealing or in the public interest in consultation with the Commission where necessary. " PART V PROCEDURE FOR RECRUITMENT BY PROMOTION 23. Eligibility and Criteria for Selection: (1) The persons holding the posts enumerated in Column 5 of the Schedules	 shall be eligible	 on the basis of merit and seniority cum merit	 for promotion to posts specified in column 2 thereof subject to their possessing the qualifications and experience on the first day of the month of April of the year of selection as specified in column 6 thereof Provided that a member of the Service shall not be debarred from promotion for want to training qualifications. XXX 23A: No officer shall be considered for promotion unless he is substantively appointed and confirmed on the next lower post. If no officer substantive in the next lower post is eligible for promotion	 officers who have been appointed on such post on officiating basis after selection in accordance with one of the methods of recruitment or under any Service Rules promulgated under proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India may be considered for promotion on officiating basis only in the order of seniority in which they would have been. had they been 1096 substantive on the said lower post. Procedure for selection on the basis of seniority cum merit: (1) As soon as it is decided that a certain number of posts shall be filled by promotion	 the Director shall prepare a correct and complete list containing names not exceeding five times the number of vacancies	 out of the senior most persons as mentioned in column 5 of the Schedule	 who are qualified under the rules for pro notion to the posts concerned. He shall forward this list alongwith their confidential rolls and personal files to th e Secretary to the Government in the Education Department. xxx xxx xxx (2)(a) For the posts	 appointments whereto are to be made by Government	 a Committee consisting of the Chairman of the Commission or his nominee being a member thereof nominated by him	 the Secretary to Government in the Education Department or the Special Secretary concerned nominated by him and the Special Secretary to Government in the Department of Personnel or his representative not below the rank of Deputy Secretary as member and the Director as Member Secretary	 and for the posts	 appoint ments whereto are to be made by the Director	 a Committee consisting of a Member of the Commission nominated by the Chairman of the Commission	 Deputy Secretary to Government in the Education Department and Deputy Secretary to Government in the Department of Personnel as members and the Director as Member Secretary shall consider the cases of all persons included in the list interviewing such of them as it may deem necessary and shall prepare a list containing names of suitable candidates upto twice the number of such posts as are indicated in sub rule (1). Provided that in case any Member Secretary	 as the case may be	 constituting the Committee has not been appointed 1097 to the post concerned	 the officer holding charge of the post for the time being shall be the Member or MemberSecretary	 as the case may be	 of the Committee. (b) The Chairman or the Member of the Commission shall preside at all meetings of the Committee at which he is present. (3) The Committee shall prepare a separate list containing names of persons who may be considered suitable to fill temporary or permanent vacancies already existing or are likely to occur till the next meeting of the Committee on a temporary or officiating basis and the list so prepared shall be reviewed and revised every year and shall remain in. force until it is so reviewed or revised. (4) The Committee may coopt an expert from outside to assist the Committee for selection of candidates for such posts as are to be filled by promotion. (5) The names of the candidates selected as suitable shall be arranged in the order of seniority. (6) The list prepared by the Committee shall be sent to the appointing authority together with the confidential rolls and personal files of the candidates included in them as also of those superseded	 if any. (7) Where consultation with the Commission is necessary the lists prepared in accordance with the sub rules (2) and (3) shall be forwarded to the Commission by the Appointing Authority alongwith xxx xxx xxx (8) The Commission shall consider the lists prepared by the Committee alongwith the other documents received from the Appointing Authority and unless it considers any change to be necessary to be made shall approve the lists but if the Commission considers such change as aforesaid to be necessary it shall inform the appointing authority of 1098 the new changes proposed by it and after taking into account the comments	 if any	 of the Commission the Appointing Authority may approve the list finally with such modifications	 as may in its opinion	 be just and proper. 25. Revised Criteria	 Eligibility and Procedure for promotion to Junior	 Senior and other posts encadred in the Service: (1) As soon as the Appointing Authority determines the number of vacancies under rule regarding determination of vacancies of these rules and decides that a certain number of posts are required to be filled in by promotion	 it shall	 subject to provisions of sub rule (9)	 prepare a correct and complete list of the senior most persons who are eligible and qualified under these rules for promotion on the basis of seniority cum merit or on the basis of merit to the class of posts concerned. (2) The persons enumerated in column 5 or the relevant column regarding "posts from which promotion is to be made"	 as the case may be	 of the relevant Schedule shall be eligible for promotion to posts specified against them in Column 2 thereof to the extent indicated in Column 3 subject to their possessing minimum qualifications and experience on the first day of the month of April of the year of selection as specified in Column 6 or in the relevant column regarding "minimum qualification and experience for promotion"	 as the case may be. (3) No person shall be considered for first promotion in the Service unless he is substantively appointed and confirmed on the lowest post in the Service. After first promotion in the Service	 for subsequent promotions to higher posts in the Service	 a person shall be eligible if he has been appointed to such post from which promotion is to be made after selection in accordance with one of the methods of recruitment under any Service Rules promulagated under proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India. 1099 Explanation In case direct recruitment to a post has been made earlier than regular selection by promotion in a particular year	 such of the persons who are or were eligible for appointment to that post by both the methods of recruitment and have been appointed by direct recruitment first	 shall also be considered for promotion. (4). (5)Subject to the provisions of sub rule (7)	 selection for promotion from the lowest post or category of post in the State Service to the next higher post or category of post in the State Service and for all posts in the Subordinate Services and in the Ministerial Services shall be made strictly on the basis of seniority cum merit from amongst the persons who have passed the qualifying examination	 if any prescribed under these rules	 and have put in at least five years ' service	 unless a different period is prescribed elsewhere in these rules	 on the first day of the month of April of the year of selection on the post of category of post from which selection is to be made: Provided that in the event of non availability of the persons with the requisite period of service of five years	 the Committee may consider the persons having less than the prescribed period of service	 if they fulfil the qualifications and other conditions for promotion prescribed eleswhere in these rules	 and are found otherwise suitable for promotion on the basis of seniority cum merit. (6)Selection for promoting to all other higher posts or higher categories of posts in the State Service shall be made on the basis of merit and on the basis of seniority cum merit in the proportion of 50:50 Provided that if the Committee is satisfied that suitable persons are not available for selection by promotion strictly on the basis of merit in a particular year	 selection by promotion on the basis of seniority cum merit may be made in the same manner as specified in these rules. 1100 Explanation If in a Service	 in any category of post	 number of post available for promotion is an odd number then for purposes of determining the vacancies for selection by promotion on the basis of seniority cum merit and merit in the proportion of 50:50 the following cyclic order shall be followed The first vacancy by seniority cum merit	 The subsequent vacancy by merit	 The cycle to the repeated. xxx xxx (10) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this rule	 the conditions of eligibility for promotion	 constitution of the Committee and procedure for selection shall be the same as prescribed elsewhere in these rules. (11) (a) The Committee shall consider the cases of all the senior most persons who are eligible and qualified for promotion to the class of posts concerned under these rules	 and shall prepare a list containing names of the persons found suitable on the basis of seniority cum merit and/or on the basis of merit	 as the case may be	 as per the criteria for promotion laid down in these rules	 equal to the number of vacancies determined under rule relating to "Determination of vacancies" of these rules. The list so prepared on the basis of seniority cum merit and/or on the basis of merit as the case may be	 shall be arranged in the order of ' seniority on the category of posts from which .	election is made. (b) The Committee shall also prepare a separate list on the basis of seniority cum merit and/or on the basis of merit	 as the case may be	 as per the criteria for promotion laid (town in the rules containing names of persons equal to the number of persons selected in the list prepared under (a) above to fill temporary or permanent vacancies	 1101 which may occur subsequently. The list so prepared on the basis of seniority cum merit and/or on the basis of merit shall be arranged in the order of the seniority in the category of posts from which selection shall be made. Such a list shall be reviewed and revised by the Departmental Promotion Committee that meets in the subsequent year and that such list shall remain in force till the end of the last day of the next year or till the Departmental Promotion Committee meets	 whichever is earlier. (c) Such lists shall be sent to the Appointing Authority together with annual Confidential Reports/Annual Performance Appraisal Report and other Service Record of all the candidates included in the lists as also of those not selected	 if any. Explanation For the purpose of selection for promotion on the basis of merit	 officers with "outstanding ' or consistently "Very Good" record shall only be selected and their names arranged in the order of seniority." PART VI APPOINTMENT	 PROBATION AND CONFIRMATION xxx xxx xxx 28. Seniority : Seniority of persons appointed to the lowest post of the Service or lowest categories of posts in each of the Group/Section of the Service	 as the case may be	 shall be determined from the date of confirmation of such persons to the said post but in respect of persons appointed by promotion to other higher posts in the Service or other higher categories of posts in each of the Group/Section in the Service	 as the case may be	 shall be determined from the date of the if regular selection to such posts. 1102 Provided xxx xxx xxx (7) that the common seniority of persons appointed to posts mentioned in Group 'E ' and 'F ' for promotion to the posts in the Group 'D ' shall be determined with reference to the date of their substantive appointment. The inter se seniority of person selected by the Commission or Committee shall be as indicated by the Commission or Committee. litter se seniority of person 	 selected against departmental promotion quota shall be deter mined under rules 24 and 25; (8). . (9) that the persons selected and appointed as a result of a selection	 which is not subject to review and revision	 shall rank senior it) the persons who are selected and appointed as a result of subsequent selection. Seniority inter se of persons selected on the basis of seniority cum merit and on the basis of merit in the same selection shall be the same as in the next below grade. xxx xxx XXX "SCHEDULE 1" XXK XXX XXX Group 'D ' Section II S.No. (Col. 1) 1 (a) Name of post Principal	 Higher Sec. (Col. 2) Sclioo1/BSTC/RTC (Boys) Method of recruitment 100% by promotion with percentage (Col. 3) Post or posts from which Group 'E ' & promotion is to be made 'E ' posts (Col. 5)" 1103 "SCHEDULE 11" xxx xxx xxx Group 'D ' Section II S.No. (Col. 1) I (a) Name of post: Principal	 Higher Sec. (Col. 2) School/BSTC/RTC (Girls) Method of recruitment 100% by promotion with percentage (Col. 3) Post or posts from which Group 'E ' & promotion is to be made 'F ' posts (Col. 5)" Reference may be made also to the Circular dated 11.9. 1978 (Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department of Personnel A Group II No. F.7(10)DOP/A 107 1 dated 11th September	 1978) relating to sub rule (6) of Rule 25; and the Circular dated 28.4.1979 (Department of Personnel (A II) No. F.7(10) DOP/A II/77 dated 28th April	 1979) and the Notification dated 30.11.1991 (Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department of Personnel A II No. F.7(10)DOP/A II/77 dated 30th November	 1991)	 providing guidelines for selection on the basis of merit	 relating to Explanation to sub rule (11) of Rule 25	 issued by the State Government	 wherein it was stated as under: Circular dated 11.9.1978 "Subject Promotion to certain categories of posts to be filled in on the basis of "Merit" and "Seniority cum Merit". The existing sub rule (6) of the relevant rules regarding revised procedure for promotion	 provides for promotion to certain categories of posts on the basis of "seniority cummerit" and "merit" in the ratio of 50:50. These rules do not clearly indicate whether selections for such categories of post shall be made first on the basis or "seniority cummerit" or on the basis of "merit '. The matter has been considered by the Government and 1104 the following procedure should be followed "The number of posts to be filled separately on the basis of seniority cum merit and merit should be determined in accordance with the Explanation below sub rule (6) of the rule laying down the revised criteria of eligibility	 promotion etc. Selection should first be made for filling up vacancies to be filled on the basis of seniority cum merit. Thereafter persons should be selected on the basis of merit for filling up merit quota vacancies." xxx xxx xxx Circular dated 28.4.1979 " xxx xxx xxx It will be observed that henceforth officers with consistently "Very Good" or "Outstanding" record shall be considered for promotion on the basis of merit. There will be only one category for the purpose of selection on the basis of merit." Notification dated 30.11.1991 "AMENDMENT" ' For the existing "Explanation below sub rule. . or sub rule (11)	. . . shall be substituted by the following	 namely: "Explanation: For the purpose of selection for promotion on the basis of merit no person shall be selected if he does not not have "Outstanding" or "Very Good" record in at least five out of the 7 years preceding the year for which D.P.C. is held. " xxx xxx xxx" The High Court examined the scheme of these Rules and pointed out that even though the writ petitions before it concerned Schedule I to the Rules relating to the boys ' institutions	 yet the principle was enqually 1105 applicable for Schedule II relating to the girls ' institutions	 since the hierarchy of the grades in both the Schedules is the same. The lowest grade in Schedule I is Group 'F '. Item 1(a) of Group 'F is the post of Headmaster. Secondary School for boys. It is to be filled 50 per cent by direct recruitment and 50 per cent by promotion from the lower grade. The minimum qualifications are prescribed in column 4 and the post or posts from which promotion is to be made is shown in column 5 which is teachers in grade 1	 11 and teachers grade I in Sections C	 D	 E	 F of the Schedule appended to the Rajasthan Education Subordinate Service Rules	 1971. The next higher grade is Group 'E ' which are posts of Headmaster	 Higher Secondary School for boys under item 1(a) to be filled 100 per cent by promotion from Group 'F ' posts. The minimum qualification and experience required for this grade is Master 's degree in addition to those prescribed for Headmasters Secondary School. Accord ingly	 only such of the Headmasters of Secondary School for boys belonging to Group 'F ' who possess Master 's degree in addition to the qualifications prescribed for that post are eligible for promotion as Headmaster	 Higher Secondary School for boys under Groups 'E '. The next higher grade is Group 'D '	 Section II of Schedule I and in item 1(a) there under are the posts of Principal	 Higher Secondary School/BSTC/RTC (Boys). These posts are to be filled 100 per cent by promotion from Groups 'E ' and 'F ' posts; and the qualifications prescribed are the same as those for Headmaster of Higher Secondary School. Above this grade is Group 'D '	 Section I	 in item 1 of which is the post of Inspector of Schools	 which is to be filled 100 per cent by promotion from Group 'D '	 Section II posts. Then comes Group 'C '	 above which is Group 'B ' which is the highest post of Joint Director of Education Range in Schedule I to be filled 100 per cent by promotion from Group 'C '. From the hierarchy of posts in Schedule I indicated above	 it is clear that the lowest grade of Group 'F ' in Schedule I is filled 50 per cent by direct recruitment and 50 per cent by promotion	 while all the higher grades are filled entirely by promotion from the next lower grade	 except for Group 'D '. Section II	 which is filled by promotion for Groups 'E 'and 'F taken together. In other words	 the posts of Principal. Higher Secondary School in Group 'D '	 Section II are filled 100 per cent by promotion from Groups 'E 'and 'F 'together	 that is	 Headmaster	 Higher Secondary School 1106 and Headmaster	 Secondary School; and those from Group 'F are considered only if they have the minimum qualifications prescribed for appointment to Group 'D '	 Section II. It is this clubbing of Groups 'E ' and 'F ' for promotion to Group 'D '	 Section II which was successfully challenged in the writ petitions filed before the High Court. The High Court has taken the view that clubbing of Groups 'F and 'E ' together for promotion to the next higher post in Group 'D ' section II	 amounts to clubbing of unequals and the Rule to this extent is invalid. The contention of the State has been rejected wherein it was indicated that a common seniority list was prepared of persons in Groups 'E ' and 'F with those in Group 'E ' being placed en bloc above those in Group 'F '; that persons in Group 'F ' were considered for promotion only after every one in Group 'E ' had been considered and vacancies remained to be filled on account of suitable persons not being found in Group 'E ' to fill those vacancies; persons form Group 'F were considered only then	 subject to the prescribed qualifications for appointment to Group 'D '. Section II; and the nature of functions of both the categories of Headmasters being similar	 their equation for this purpose was considered to be reasonable. The High Court did not accept this as sufficient justification to consider persons in Group 'F ' for filling the remaining vacancies in Group 'D ' Section II even when the remaining persons of Group 'E ' were not found suitable for promotion. The High Court also appears to have overlooked the fact that all posts in Group 'D '	 Section II being required to be filled by promotion	 there was no other avenue to fill the remaining vacancies in Group Section II except the next lower cadre of Group 'F for want of adequate number of suitable person in Group 'E ' for appointment to Group 'D '. The question really is : Whether the policy adopted by the State Government of first considering all the persons in Groups 'E ' for promotion to Group 'D '	 Section II and promoting all found suitable	 and then only considering the qualified persons in Group 'F 'for appointment to the remaining vacancies for want of suitable persons in Group "E ' for promotion	 when the posts in Group 'D ' Section II are required to be filled 100 per cent by promotion	 is invalid for any reason? It is in this perspective that the dispute between members of Group 'E ' and Group 'F ' of the Service raised in the present case has to be decided. Obviously	 the grievance of members of Group 'E ' can arise only if those in Group 'F ' are 1107 treated on par with Group 'E ' which is a higher grade or members of Group 'F ' get appointments by promotion in Group 'D ' which would otherwise have gone to those in Group 'E ' but for the rule making Group 'F also eligible for promotion to Group 'D ' by clubbing Groups 'E ' and 'F ' together for this purpose. There can be no legitimate grievance to members of Group 'E ' in case vacancies remain to be filled in Group 'D ' which can be filled only by promotion	 after every one in Group 'E ' has been considered and only those not found fit for promotion therein are left unpromoted. The appointment to the remaining vacancies by promotion of members of Group 'P	 the next lower cadre	 possessing the prescribed qualifications and found suitable for promotion cannot result in inequality or injustice to those remaining in Group 'E ' on account of their unsuitability. There is no other available avenue to fill the remaining posts in Group 'D ' by promotion. There can be no legitimate claim of an unsuitable person for promotion to provide foundation for the challenge so made. It is for this reason that we required the State Government to place before us the material indicating the procedure followed for making the selection for promotion to the posts in Group 'D ' Section II from Groups 'E ' and 'F ' of the Service. It has been shown with reference to full particulars that it is only the vacancies in Group 'D ' remaining unfilled for want of suitable persons in Group 'E ' which are filled by appointment of persons found suitable in Group 'F ' who possess the prescribed qualifications and are also found outstanding. It does appear to be the only feasible manner in which the remaining vacancies in Group 'D ' can be fined since promotion from the services is the only prescribed mode of filling of the posts in Group "D '. Moreover	 the nature of duties and functions of the post of Principal	 Higher Secondary School in Group 'D '	 Section II is similar to that of Headmaster of a Higher Secondary School or Secondary School	 which are the posts held by persons in Groups 'E ' and 'F respectively. That apart	 an unsuitable person in Group 'E ' cannot claim placement above a qualified and suitable person in Group 'F '	 when the nature of duties of both are alike and so is that of the higher post in Group D ' In order to assure ourselves that the principle adopted was fair and reasonable and so was its application in making the promotions to Group D '	 Section II from Groups 'E ' and 'F	 we also directed the filing of an affidavit by a senior officer giving all the relevant particulars in addition to 1108 production of a chart which would enable comparison of persons in Group 'E ' who were not found suitable for promotion to Group 'D '	 Section II with those in Group 'F ' who were found fit for promotion on the basis of merit. On a scrutiny of these particulars along with the facts stated in the affidavit of M.R. Advani	 Deputy Legal Remembrancer	 Education Department	 Government of Rajasthan. We are satisfied that the principle adopted and followed was fair and reasonable and does not result in any injustice to the persons not found fit in Group 'E ' for promotion. The affidavit of M.R. Advani shows that the duties of the office of Principal as well as Headmaster are of a similar nature and there is no qualitative difference in the duties performed by persons belonging to Groups 'E ' and 'F '. It has also been stated that the Reporting Officer for the purpose of annual performance appraisal of persons in Group 'E ' is the Principal and their Reviewing Officer is the District Education Officer	 while in the case of persons belonging to Group 'F '	 the Reporting Officer is the District Education Officer and the Reviewing Officer is the Deputy Director/Joint Director. Prior to introduction of 10 + 2 Scheme	 the Reporting Officer for Group 'E ' persons also was the District Education Officer and the Reviewing Officer was the Deputy Director/Joint Director. This shows that the standard of their annual performance appraisal is also on par	 being made in this manner. Paras 10 and 11 of this affidavit dated 15.10.1992 read as under: "10.It is respectfully submitted that pursuant to the subrule (11) of Rule 25 of the 1970 Rules while considering the merits of candidates the Departmental Promotion Committee first considered all the candidates of category 'E. ' who were in the zone of consideration and every candidate who had 5 or more 'very good ' or 'outstanding ' report and not having any adverse report was selected on merit. 11.After considering all the candidates of category 'E ' the posts which were left unfilled were filled by considering the merits of candidates of category 'F '. While considering the merits of category 'F ' candidates	 first of all candidates having 5 or more :outstanding ' and 'very good ' ACR were selected. If the number of vacancies are less	 the merit list 1109 is prepared on the basis of those having 6 or an 7 ACRs to be 'outstanding ' or 'very good '. For the year 1989 90 as sufficient vacancies were available in D 11 category all E and F category candidates were promoted who had required minimum merit." Along with the particulars relating to all the candidates from Groups 'E ' and 'F considered for promotion to Group 'D '. Section II	 an additional affidavit dated 21.10.1992 was filed on behalf of the State Government by B.C. Bairathi wherein para 4 is as under: "4. It is respectfully submitted that it is evident from the statement that all candidates of category 'E ' who were in the zone of consideration and had 5 or more 'outstanding ' and 'very good ' reports and did not have any adverse reports have been selected on merits. The leftout candidates in group 'E ' are only those who had less than 5 'outstanding 'or 'verygood 'reports and they could not have been selected on merits pursuant to the express provisions of Rule 25(11) of the 1970 Rules. It is also evident from the said statements that all candidates of category 'F who have been appointed had 5 or more outstanding 'and 'very good 'ACRs and none of them had less than 5 'outstanding ' or 'very good ' ACRs. " The Explanation to Rule 25(11) as amended vide Notification dated 30.11.1991 prescribes that for such promotion no one having less than 5 outstanding/very good annual confidential reports in the immediate preceding 7 years is to be considered fit for promotion. The facts clearly show that every one in Group 'E ' satisfying this criterion has been selected and those not found suitable in Group 'E ' are persons who do not satisfy this criterion. Vacancies remained in Group 'D '. Section II which could not	 therefore	 be filled from persons in Group 'E ' since suitable persons amongst them were not available. The only manner in which the remaining vacancies in Group 'D '	 Section II could be filled	 since all vacancies were to be filled by promotion according to the Rules	 was by promoting the outstanding persons from Group 'F. The duties and functions of persons in Groups 'E ' and 'F being of a similar nature	 consideration of persons 1110 from Group F ' for filling the remaining vacancies in this situation was neither unreasonable nor arbitrary but the only available mode left for filling the remaining vacancies. It also appears that the outstanding persons selected from Group 'F ' were qualitatively found superior to those remaining unselected in Group 'E '	 particularly in view of the express requirement of the Explanation to Rule 25(11) which the unsuitable persons in Group 'E ' did not satisfy. In Chiranjit Lal Chowdhuri vs The Union of India and Others	 ; 	 while dealing with the right to equality	 Fazil Ali. J. indicated that a doctrinaire approach is not warranted and a passage from Constitutional Law by Prof. Willis was cited as a correct proposition of the principle underlying this guarantee where in it was stated as under: ". . Mathematical nicety and perfect equality are not required. Similarity	 not identity of treatment	 is enough. If any state of facts can reasonably be conceived to sustain a classification	 the existence of that state of facts must be assumed. One who assails a classification must carry the burden of showing that it does not rest upon any reasonable basis." (p.877) In Mohd. Hanif Quareshi & Others vs The State of Bihar	 ; 	 while dealing with the meaning	 scope and effect of Article 14	 it was reiterated that 'in order to sustain the presumption of constitutionality the Court may take into consideration matters of common knowledge	 matters of common report	 the history of the times and may assumed every state of facts which can be conceived existing at the time of legislation '. The validity of the impugned Rules has to be adjudged in this background. The challenge to the validity	 upheld by the High Court	 was on the only ground that clubbing of Groups 'E ' and 'F ' for promotion to Group 'D '	 Section II was invalid	 since unequals had been equated for the purpose of promotion. From the undisputed facts	 it is clear that the total number of posts in Group 'D '	 Section II is nearly the same as the total number of posts in Group 'E '	 while the total number of posts in Group 'F ' is about five times thereof. Since appointment to Group 'D '	 Section II is 100 per cent by promotion. It is a distinct possibility	 as in the present case	 that the requisite number of suitable candidates from Group 'E ' may 1111 not be available to fill all the existing vacancies in Group 'D '	 Section II. In such a situation	 all appointments to Group 'D '	 Section II posts being by promotion	 the only available option is to fill the remaining vacancies by selection of outstanding persons from Group 'F. This is more so because the nature of duties and functions of the posts in Groups 'E ' and 'F ' is similar and so is that of the posts in Group 'D ' Section II. In such a situation	 the provision made. in the Rules for promotion to Group 'D '. Section II from Group 'E ' as well as Group 'F ' does not in any manner offend the guarantee of equality in the Constitution. The manner in which the Rule is worked	 that is	 consideration first of all persons in Group 'E ' for promotion to Group 'D '	 Section II and moving to Group 'F '	 if necessary	 for filling only the remaining vacancies by selecting outstanding amongst them who satisfy the requirement of Explanation to Rule ensures fairness lo all while also maintaining efficiency in the administration. If the need arises to look to Group 'F ' for filling the remaining vacancies on account of want of suitable persons in Group 'E '	 those found unsuitable in Group 'E ' cannot complain of discrimination if persons duly qualified and more suitable performing similar functions are selected	 since the unsuitable left out in Group 'E ' are excluded from the competition on the ground of unsuitability	 and cease to remain contenders for the remaining posts. These provisions in the Rules are	 therefore	 not in any manner violative of Articles 14 or 16 of the Constitution. Reference may also be made to Md. Usman & Ors. vs State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors. 	 [1971] Supp. S.C.R. 549	 wherein clubbing of UDCs and LDCs for recruitment to posts of Grade II Sub Registrars was upheld as valid. The contention there was that the rule permitting the clubbing violated Article 14 of the Constitution by treating unequals as equals. The High Court struck down the rule as violative of Article 14	 but this Court reversed that decision and upheld validity of the rule. It was held by this Court that the promotion based on the principles of seniority cum merit	 even though the position of UDC is superior to that of LDC	 satisfies the guarantee of equality. In the present case	 this decision applies with greater force since the selection from Group 'F ' is based purely on merit and it is only the outstanding from the Group who are promoted. 1112 For the aforesaid reasons	 we allow the appeals and set aside the impugned judgment of the High Court with the result that the writ petitions filed in the High Court stand dismissed. No costs. R.P. Appeals allowed.

Rajasthan Educational Service Rules	 1970 provides for appointment to Group 'DI	 Section 11 of the Rajasthan Education Service	 consistIng of the posts of Principal of Higher Secondary School/BSTC/RTC (Boys)	 100 per cent by promotion from qualified members of Group 'El comprising the posts of Headmaster of Higher Secondary School for boys and from those of Group IF ' representing the posts of Headmasters of Secondary School of boys. Appointment to Group 'El posts is made 100 per cent by promotion of the members of Group IF '. The persons belonging to Group 'El	 who were not selected for promotion to Group 'DI	 Section II	 filed writ petitions before the High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the provisions In the Rules clubbing together Groups El and IF ' for the purpose of promotion to Group 'DI	 Section 11. The High Court held the provisions as violative of Articles 14 and 1088 16 of the Constitution	 allowed the writ petitions and quashed the orders promoting members of Groups IF ' to the posts in Group ID '	 Section II. The State and the affected members of Group 'F ' of the Rajasthan Education Service filed the appeals by special leave. It was contended on behalf of members of Group IF ' and the State that the provision clubbing groups IF ' and 'E ' as feeder cadre for promotion to Group 'D ' Section 11	 is in consonance with Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution inasmuch as the Rules require preparation of a combined seniority list of all eligible members of Groups 'E ' and IF ' placing the former en bloc above the latter	 and among those selected for promotion to Group 'DI Section 11	 all those from Group 'E ' are to rank above those from Group IF '; and as no person belonging to Group 'E ' found suitable for promotion to Group ID ' was left out	 filling the remaining vacancies from amongst suitable and qualified persons belonging to Group 'F ' cannot be violative of rights	 if any	 of the writ petitioners inasmuch as qualitatively those promoted from Group 'F ' were not inferior to the petitioners and the principle of equation adopted was fair to all. Allowing the appeals	 this Court	 HELD: I.1. The manner in which the Rule is worked	 that is	 consideration first of all persons in Groups 'E ' for promotion to Group 'D '	 Section 11	 and moving to Group IF '	 if necessary	 for filling only the remaining vacancies by selecting outstanding amongst them who satisfy the requirement of Explanation to Rule 25(11) (i.e. who have 5 outstanding/ 'very good ' annual Confidential Reports in the immediate preceding 7 years)	 ensures fairness to all while also maintaining efficiency in the administration. [pp.1109E F; 1111B C] 1.2. The total number of posts in Group 'DI	 Section II is nearly the same as the total number of posts in Group 'E '	 while the total number of posts in Group IF ' is about rive times thereof. Since appointment to Group 'D '	 Section If is 100 per cent by promotion	 it is a distinct possibility as. in the instant case	 that the requisite number of suitable candidates from Group 'E ' may not be available to rill all the existing vacancies in Group 'D ' Section 11. In such a situation	 the only available option is to rill the remaining vacancies by selection of outstanding persons from Group 'F '. This is more so because the nature of duties and functions of the posts in 1089 Group 'E ' and 'F ' is similar and so is that of the posts in Group 'D ' Section 11. The High Court overlooked this fact. [pp.1110G H; 1111A B] 13. If the need arises to look to Group IF ' for filling the remaining vacancies on account of want of suitable. person in Group 'El	 those found unsuitable in Group 'E ' cannot complain of discrimination if persons duly qualified and more suitable performing similar functions are selected	 purely on the basis of merit	 since the unsuitable left out in Group 'El are excluded from the competition on the ground of unsuitability and cease to remain contenders for the remaining posts. [pp.1111C E	 G H] 1.4. The provisions made in the Rules for promotion to Group ID ' Section II	 from Group 'E ' as well as Group IF ' are therefore	 not in any manner violative of Articles 14 or 16 of the Constitution. [pp.1111B E] Chiranjit Lal Chowdhuri vs The Union of India and Ors. 	 ; ; Mohd Hanif Quareshi & Ors. vs The State of Bihar	 ; and Md. Usman & Ors. vs State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors. 	 [1971] Supp. S.C.R. 549	 relied on. Constitutional Law by Prof. Willis; cited. From the affidavit of a senior officer giving all the relevant particulars alongwith a chart indicating the comparative position of persons in Group 'E ' not found suitable for promotion to Group ID ' Section [ with those in Group IF ' who were found fit for promotion on the basis of merit	 it was established that the principle adopted and followed was fair and reasonable and does not result in any injustice to the persons not found fit in Group 'E ' for promotion; the duties of the office of Principal as well as Headmaster are of a similar nature and there is no qualitative difference in the duties performed by persons belonging to Groups 'E ' and IF '; and that the standard of annual performance appraisal of the members of the two groups is also on par. [pp.1107G H; 1108A D] 3. It would be advisable for the State Government to lay down more clearly its policy for the future to avoid even the semblance of treating unequals as equals for the purpose of promotion	 in consonance with the well known maxim that 'justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done '. [p.1093A B] 4. The judgment of the High Court* is set aside with the result that 1090 the writ petitions filed in the High Court stand dismissed. [p.1112A] * Miss Kusum Tandon vs State of Rajasthan	 etc.	 etc.	 D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 2221 of 1990 on the file of Rajasthan High Court	 decided on 3.9.1991.