JUDGMENT

M. Jagannadha Rao, J.-Leave granted in S.L.P. (C) No. 7076 of 1995.

2. These cases raise common questions relating to seniority of officers in the rank of Commandant/Security Officer/Asstt. Inspector General/Dy. Director/Divisional Security Officer. The Rules which are relevant are the Railway Protection Force (Superior Officers) Recruitment Rules, 1974 (hereinafter called the 1974 rules ) and the Railway Protection Force (Group A and B Posts) Recruitment Rules, 1981 (hereinafter called the 1981 Rules ). Eight writ petitions filed in various High Courts have been transferred to this Court and registered as Transferred Petitions, to be disposed alongwith Civil Appeal arising out of the judgment of a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court on appeal from the judgment of a learned Single Judge of that Court. We also have before us an independent Writ Petition No. 98 of 97 filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India.

3. Before referring to the facts of the cases it will be necessary to refer to the hierarchy of posts and the mode of recruitment and promotion under the 1974 rules as well as under the 1981 rules and the conditions for eligibility for promotions.

4. Under