JUDGMENT

Venkataswami, J.-The petitioners in W.P. (C) Nos. 306 and 1200 of 1988 challenge the constitutionality of Rule 18(2) of the Indian Customs and Central Excise Service Group A Rules 1987 (hereinafter referred to as the "Rule"). The petitioners in W.P. (C) No. 1200/88 additionally challenge the list of seniority published on 22.8.1988 pending disposal of W.P. (C) No. 306/88. The petitioners in W.P. (C) No.1093/90 have prayed for the issue of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to make promotions strictly in accordance with law, namely, following Rules 19(2) and 20 of the 1987 Rules and based on the seniority list dated. 12.7.1984 and also for certain other connected reliefs.

2. Common arguments were addressed by counsel on both sides and, therefore, these writ petitions and connected interlocutory Applications are being disposed of by this common judgment.

3. Let us briefly state the background facts leading to the filing of these petitions.

4. The feeder cadre for promotion to Indian Customs and Central Excise. Group A Services are :

(a) Superintendents of Central Excise, Group B ;

(b) Superintendents of Customs (P), Group B ; and

(c) Customs Appr