Protection of service preference for meritorious reserved candidates

While a high-ranking reserved candidate is ordinarily adjusted against an unreserved vacancy on the basis of their merit, this rule cannot be applied mechanically to the detriment of the candidate in a manner that deprives them of a preferred post or cadre. Where adjusting a candidate against the general merit list would result in their losing out on a more desirable service, post, or cadre that remains available within their specific reserved quota, the candidate must be permitted to exercise their option to be accommodated against the reserved quota. This balancing mechanism ensures that merit is preserved both across categories and within them, thereby safeguarding the foundational purpose of affirmative action as a tool of socio-economic empowerment and inclusion rather than an unintended instrument of disadvantage. (Airport Authority of India & Ors. Vs Sham Krishna B & Ors. | 2026 INSC 69)