SARWAR ALI, J.

1. Two prayers have been made in this writ application. The first prayer is that the appointment of respondents 3 to 6 and the reversion of the petitioners (all of whom belong to Bihar Public Health Engineering Service), as contained in annexures 1 and 2 of the writ application, be quashed. The other prayer made is that a writ of mandamus commanding respondents 1 and 2 be issued directing them not to consider the cases of respondents 3 to 6 in matters of appointment and promotion to higher posts in Bihar Subordinate Engineering Service, vis-a-vis the petitioners. At the time of argument, however, challenge was restricted to the order relating to the ad hoc appointment as contained in annexure 2. It was further pointed out that during the pendency of the writ application an order, as contained in annexure C has been passed appointing respondents 3 to 5 as Assistant Engineers (Mechanical) in Class II of Bihar Public Health Engineering Service. It was further pointed out that in view of the order passed at the time of admission of this writ application on the 24th of July, 1972, to the effect "Any action taken during the pendency of the writ application will be