JUDGMENT

G. S. Singhvi, J.-Leave granted.

2. In response to an advertisement issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board, Jammu (for short, ‘the Board’) which was published in the newspaper dated 29.3.1996, the appellant applied for the post of Laboratory Assistant, which is a District cadre post. He appeared before the Selection Committee consisting of respondent Nos. 4 to 6 but was not interviewed on the ground that he was not a permanent resident of District Udhampur.

3. The appellant challenged the decision of the Selection Committee in SSWP No.1656 of 1996 not to consider his candidature on the ground of violation of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The appellant pleaded that he was qualified for the post and fulfilled other conditions. In support of his assertion that he was a permanent resident of District Udhampur, the appellant annexed certificate dated 15.2.1994 issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur.

4. By an interim order dated 31.12.1996, the learned Single Judge of the High Court directed the Selection Committee to interview the appellant but made it clear that his result shall not be declared without the Court’s order.

5. The Boar