JUDGMENT :

Akula Venkata Sesha Sai, J.

1. Heard learned Counsel for the petitioners and the learned Government Pleader for Agriculture, appearing for the respondent Nos. 1 and 2, apart from perusing the entire material available on record.

2. All the petitioners in this writ petition are un-employees and some of them are graduates and some are post-graduates in Horticulture. The Commissioner of Horticulture, State of Andhra Pradesh-second respondent herein issued a notification bearing No. Estt. I(1)AP/20/2016, dated 1.9.2016, inviting applications for filling up 25 posts of Horticulture Officers in the State. The posts of Horticulture Officers are governed by the A.P. Horticulture Service Rules, notified vide G.O. Ms. No. 776 Food & Agriculture (Agrl. II) Department, dated 15.9.1989. Petitioners herein offered their candidature by making applications in response to the said notification, dated 1.9.2016. Vide circular bearing No. Estt. I(1) 140/2013, dated 9.12.2016, second respondent herein, strictly adhering to the provisions of law and the instructions issued from time to time,