In a case that highlights the perils of administrative inefficiency and its impact on the fundamental right to equality, the Himachal Pradesh High Court delivered a landmark judgment in favor of Forest Guards who were left behind in the race for regularization. At the heart of the matter was a seemingly small, yet significant delay in regularizing the petitioners’ services—a delay that cost them the financial and professional benefits their counterparts in the Dharamshala Circle enjoyed. The courtroom battle underscored a critical question: should employees suffer because of administrative lapses beyond their control? The court’s answer was a resounding no.