Judgment

G.N. Ray, J.-Leave granted in all the Special Leave Petitions. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties.

2. The appeal arising out of S.L.P. No. 25014/96 is directed against Order dated October 29, 1986 passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi in O.A. No. 2122/95. The appeal arising out of S.L.P. No. 24361/96 is directed against order dated August 22, 1996 passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Mumbai Bench in O.A. No. 184/ 92 and the appeal arising out S.L.P. No. 9068/97 is directed against order dated March 7, 1997 passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi in O.A. No. 2563/96.

3. As the common question is involved is all the said appeals as to the interpretation of para 7.3 of the Scheme for making appointments to the posts of General Managers and equivalent in the Indian Rail­ways, all the appeals have been heard analogously and are being dis­posed of by this common judgment. It will be appropriate if a short background of facts are noted.

4. The Indian Railway system is managed by the apex authority, namely, the Railway Board. The said Railway Board comprises of the Chairman, the Financial Com