JUDGMENT :

Ujjal Bhuyan, J.

Heard Mr. Mihir Desai, learned senior counsel for the petitioners; Mr. Bhate, learned counsel for respondent Nos.1 and 2; Mr. Arshad Shaikh, learned counsel for respondent Nos.3 to 6; and Mr. Adsule, learned counsel for respondent Nos.7 to 16.

2. Sixty one petitioners have joined together and have instituted the present common proceeding under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India. Initially, at the time of filing the writ petition the prayer made was for setting aside and quashing Ex.A advertisement dated 03.08.2017 for direct recruitment to the post of 'watchman' (security guard) in the establishment of Food Corporation of India at Manmad in the District of Nasik, Maharashtra State. Further prayer made was for a direction to respondent Nos.4 and 5 to issue fresh advertisement giving due preference to the petitioners. Additional prayer was made for a direction to respondent No.4 to consider the case of the petitioners for regular appointment to the post of 'watchman' (security guard) in the establishment of respondent No.5 i.e., Area Manager, Food Corporation of India, Manmad by giving them preference and relaxation in the upper age limit as we