SK,J.

Divergent opinions expressed by two Division Benches of this Court constrained a learned single Judge to direct this matter to be placed before a Division Bench to resolve the conflict. The Division Bench that heard the matter on 10.10.2007 was of the opinion that it deserved to be considered by a larger Bench. The matter was accordingly listed before this Full Bench.

The petitioner was originally an employee of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). In its service, he ascended the promotional hierarchy and was a Mechanical Foreman when sent on deputation in March, 1990 to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). His promotion to this post was from the feeder category of Assistant Mechanical Foreman in the APSRTC. While so, in the year 1992, the petitioner requested the TTD to absorb him in its service on regular basis. By Resolution No.723 dated 11.12.1992, the TTD resolved to absorb him in its service by downgrading the post of Depot Manager, Transport Department, TTD, to that of Mechanical Foreman in the cadre of Assistant Executive Officer, duly protecting his pay. The APSRTC consented to this move and the TTD requested the Government o