Judgment

GROVER, J.:- This is an appeal from a judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in which one of the main questions relating to the interpretation of Rule 7-A of the Punjab Service of Engineers (Electricity Branch) (Condition of Service) Rules, 1939, hereinafter called the Rules has been discussed in the connected matter i.e. Civil Appeal No. 456 of 1970 in which the judgment is being announced today.

2. The facts may be shortly stated. In August 1949 certain posts of Assistant Engineers Class II were advertised. In March 1950 B. K. Puri respondent No.10 along with B. N. Rampal respondent No.3 and others were selected in consultation with the Punjab Public Service Commission. On March 23, 1950 B. K. Puri joined service as Officiating Assistant Engineer Class II. On April 5, 1950 B. N. Rampal respondent No.3 joined the service as Officiating Assistant Engineer Class II. Other respondents Nos. 4 to 9 joined the service after B. K. Puri as Officiating Assistant Engineers Class II. Between 1953 and 1954 the Punjab Public Service Commission selected respondents 3 to 9 for appointment to Class I (junior) on officiating basis. According to the appellant the case of B. K. Puri