Judgment

SINGH J . :- By means of these petitions under Art. 32 of the Constitution the petitioners claim relief for quashing Railway Boards Circular/letter No. E(NG) I/69/PMI-180 dated 2nd July, 1970 and No. E(NG) I-80-SR6-39 dated 28th November, 1981. They further claim relief for the issue of writ in the nature of mandamus restraining the respondent, Railway Authorities, from altering or issuing seniority list in pursuance of the Railway Boards Circular dated 28th November, 1981 and to maintain the previous seniority list issued in 1968 for the purpose of promotions, confirmation and further advancement.

2. In the Indian Railways, initial recruitment of Train Examiners, used to be made in the entry Grade D in the pay scale of Rs. 100-185. Prior to 1st April, 1966 recruitment to Grade D of Train Examiners was made from two sources (1) by promotion of skilled artisans working in the lower grade, (2) by direct recruitment of apprentices having completed prescribed four years training. 50 per cent of the vacancies were filled by apprentices while the remaining 50 of the vacancies used to be filled by promotion of skilled artisans. Promotion from entry Grade D was made to next higher