JUDGMENT

Arun Kumar, J.-

C.A. No. 2702/1997 :

This appeal is directed against the judgment dated 15th March, 1996 of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Chandigarh Bench. The original application was filed by respondent No. 1 before the tribunal challenging seniority list issued by the Department wherein his seniority had been fixed from the date of absorption in the Department. Respondent No.1 was claiming seniority from the date he initially joined the Department on deputation. To appreciate the issue involved in the appeal, it is necessary to give some facts. Respondent No.1 had joined the service in the Himachal Education Department, a department of the State Government, as a trained graduate teacher. He was appointed as a Science Master with effect from 26.9.1970 in the pay scale of Rs. 220-500. This scale was subsequently revised to Rs. 620-1200 with effect from 1.1.1978.

2. After the Chinese aggression, the Government of India had started a department called Special Services Bureau under the Directorate General of Security (DGS). To govern the service conditions in the Special Services Bureau, rules called the Special Services Bureau (Junior Executive) Service Rules, 1976 were