JUDGMENT

M.M. DUTT, J. :— The Writ Petition No, 106 of 1980 under Art. 32 of the Constitution of India preferred by the petitioners, Smt. M. Nirmala and 309 others, and the appeal by special leave filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh have been heard together as they involve the common question as to the seniority of certain employees of the Government of Andhra Pradesh in Group II and Group IV services. Group II services relate to the posts of Junior Assistants in the Secretariat and Group IV services relate to the posts of Lower Division Clerks, Lower Division Assistants, Lower Division Typists and Steno-Typists.

2. The petitioners are working in Group IV services in various Departments of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. On August 18, 1970 by G. 0. Ms. No. 682, the Government of Andhra Pradesh put a ban on direct recruitment of all categories of State and subordinate services, pending the recommendations of the Backward Classes Commission. In spite of the said order banning direct recruitments, the Government had to appoint employees in all Departments in view of exigencies of circumstances and in the public interest. Such appointments were made under the General Rule 10(a)(i)(1)