ORDER :

Since similar and akin issues are involved, these matters are heard together and disposed of by this common order.

2. The petitioners have challenged the orders passed by the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal at Bengaluru/Belagavi (for short, ‘the KSAT’), in applications filed by the petitioners under Section 19 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 (for short, ‘Act 1985’) challenging the recommendation of the Hon’ble Upalokayukta vide reports under Section 12(3) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984 (for short, ‘Act 1984’) and the order passed by the State of Karnataka entrusting the matter for enquiry to the Karnataka Lokayukta under Rule 14A of the Karnataka Civil Services (CCA) Rules, 1957 (for short, ‘Rules 1957’) as well as the Article of Charges issued by the Additional Registrar of Enquiries-12, Karnataka Lokayukta, Bengaluru.

BACKGROUND FACTS:

3. The petitioners contend that they had appeared for the written examination conducted by the Government of Karnataka through Recruitment Committee, Department of Prosecution and Government Litigation, to the post of Assistant Public Prosecutor-cum-Assistant Government Pleader on 31.08.2013 and 01.09.2013; petitioners h