ORDER

This appeal is directed by persons who had been appointed as auxiliary constables in the State of Punjab while the State was in a state of terrorism. There was no post of auxiliary constables in the Punjab Police Force but they had been appointed to meet the situation as prevailing then. The State Government had issued an administrative order in the form of a standing order on 26th of July, 1990, prior to the appointment of these appellants indicating therein that these auxiliary constables would be eligible for recruitment as constables after one year of service, provided their work and conduct are found satisfactory by the District Superintendent of Police (DSP). It was further indicated that the Senior District Superintendent of Police will make selection out of the eligible auxiliary constables for appointment as constables. This standing order of 26th July, 1990 was superseded by another order of 19th of November, 1991 whereunder it was stipulated that even after completion of six months service these auxiliary constables would be eligible for recruitment as constables, but all other conditions contained in the earlier circular of 26th July, 1990 remained the same. These