JUDGMENT

Mrs. Sujata V. Manohar, J.-The petitioners were originally employees of Zilla Praja Parishads of various Districts in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The petitioners are the children of decreased employees of the respondents. In or around December 1983 they were appointed by the respondents on compassionate grounds as Watchmen etc. under the quota for deceased employees children on a consolidated pay. In December 1988 they were appointed as regular employees in the Zilla Praja Parishad on a regular scale of pay. In 1991-1992, they were promoted to the post of Junior Assistants.

2. In April 1993, a show-cause notice was issued to the petitioners to show-cause why they should not be reverted to their Last Grade Post since five years service in the Last Grade Post is required for promotion to the post of Junior Assistant. The petitioners has worked for hardly three years in the Last Grade post. The petitioners submitted their explanation relying upon G.O.Ms. No. 627 of 21st of December, 1983. They contended that for promotion to the post of Junior Assistant the minimum qualifying service was ordinarily three years and in no case less than two years.

3. In view, however, of the pr