JUDGMENT

Srikrishna, J. — This group of appeals arises from the same set of facts and from the same impugned judgment of the Division Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, hence, it would be convenient to decide all these appeals by a common judgment.

2. On 12.6.1997 the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Power Development Department, by a notification amended the Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Department (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 1981 (hereinafter referred to as “the Rules”). The amendment was as under:

“A) In part `A’ of Schedule II (Executive), for class-I, the following shall be substituted, namely:-

‘I ’A’ Junior Engineer (Elect) Grade-I (Selection Category) 2125-3600

100% by promotion from category ‘B’ provided that:-

a)Degree Holders possess at least 5 years service as such; and

b)Diploma Holders possess at least 10 years service as such

‘B’ Junior Engineer (Elect) Grade-II 1400-2300

Bachelors Degree in Electric/Electronic Engineering or three years Diploma in Electric/Electronic Engineering.

a)85% direct recruitment; and

b)15% by promotion from amongst three years Diploma Holders in Electric/Electronic Engineering from Recognised Polytechnic Institution having at