A.P.SEN,J.

(1) IT is to be regretted that though we had heard the arguments at a considerable length, we were constrained to find that the central government had left the question as to whether the appointment of Andhra Officers was stop-gap or fortuitous or not for purposes of integration of services undetermined. There was, therefore, no other alternative but to remit the material issues to the central government and it was directed to decide the question of inter se seniority of these officers, particularly with reference to the question as to whether the services of the Andhra Officers were on stop-gap or fortuitous arrangement, and as to whether the regularisation of promotions of Andhra Engineers and the relaxation of rules and retrospective regularisation were permissible.

(2) PURSUANT to the direction contained in this courts Order dated 6/02/1981, the central government have submitted their report dated 10/07/1981 .recording the findings on the issues remitted by us. Neverthe less, it seems to us that these appeals cannot be decided on the findings reached by the central government unless the parties are afforded an opportunity of placing their