JUDGMENT

K. Ramaswamy, J.-Leave granted.

We have heard learned counsel on both sides.

2. This appeal by special leave arises from the Division Bench Judgment of Punjab & Haryana High Court, made on November 5, 1996 in C.W.P. No. 8755/96.

3. The appellants-general candidates, viz., Jagdish Lal, Ram Dayal and Surinderjit Kapil, challenged the promotion of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Candidates (for short, the reserved candidates ), viz., Ram Asra, H.S. Hira, Sant Lal and Ajmer Singh, as Superintendents in Class-III Service of Haryana Government. Respective appointments of the appellants and the respondents have been reflected in the judgment of the High Court as under :

S. Name Seniority  Dt. of   As Asstt. As Dy. As Supdt. As Budget As R.E. No. No. in the Apptt. Supdt. Officer (Class I) seniority as Clerk (Class II) list of

1.1.1995

Appellants :

1. Jagdish Lal 22 24.11.58 1.12.68 27.10.87 1.4.90   -     -

2. Ram Dayal 28 22.2.