JUDGMENT

Jagdish Singh Khehar, J. –

1. Consequent upon their selection, the appellants were inducted into the Police Department of the State of Bihar, by way of direct recruitment, as Steno Sub-Inspectors of Police. Appellant no. 1 - Kumod Kumar was appointed as such on 10.4.1982. He joined his duties on 13.4.1982. Appellant no. 2 - Ramesh Kumar was appointed on 11.9.1985, and he joined as such on 16.9.1985.

2. On 26.8.1989 and 11.6.1991, the appellants were taken (on reversion) to the general line of the Police Department as Sub-Inspectors of Police. In this behalf it would be pertinent to mention, that induction into the general line of the Police Department from Steno Sub-Inspectors is permissible, subject to the satisfaction of the eligibility criteria, as also, consequent upon the selection and recommendation by the Central Selection Board.

3. The seniority of the appellants in the general line of Sub-Inspectors of Police, was determined by the Police Department, with effect from the date of their appointment to the general line of Sub-Inspectors of Police (on reversion). This determination is not acceptable to the appellants. They claim seniority in the general line of Sub-Inspec