JUDGMENT

S. Saghir Ahmad, J.-The dispute in the present appeals relates to the question of inter se seniority between direct recruits and promotees on the post of First Fireman working under the Divisional Railway Manager, South Central Railway, Hubli, Karnataka.

2. Recruitment on the post of Fireman "A", as indicated in the Railway Establishment Manual, was to be made originally to the extent of 50 per cent by direct recruitment and remaining 50 per cent by promotion. Subsequently, the rule of recruitment was altered and it was provided that post of Fireman "A" would be filled up 100 per cent by promotion.

3. On 15.11.1985, Railway Recruitment Board advertised 66 posts of Apprentice Fireman "A". The appellants applied for the posts and were ultimately selected by the Railway Recruitment Board. In 1988, they were appointed as Apprentice Fireman and were placed on two years training. After completion of training, they were appointed as First Fireman on 18.7.1990 except appellants 10 and 28 who were absorbed on 20.10.1990 and 21.3.1991 respectively. Another direct recruit who has been arrayed as respondent No. 148 in this appeal, was appointed on 5.9.1990.

4. The process of recruitment