S.C.Mookherji, J.

1. C.W.J.C. Nos. 4400 of 1987 and 3591 of 1989 have been heard together, as common question is involved, and are being disposed of by this judgment.

2. The petitioners and intervenors have sought for quashing the orders as contained in Annexures 2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 by which, respondent S.N. Dubey (hereinafter to be referred to as respondent only), presently employed as Deputy Superintendent of Police, has been promoted out-of-turn to the said post on ad hoc basis with retrospective effect from. 25th October, 1975 for gallantry in respect of an incident of the year 1971, placed above several others and subsequently confirmed on that post against all the rules and procedure laid down for promotion of police officers of different categories.

3. Short facts. The petitioner of C.W.J.C. No. 4400 of 1987 is a direct recruit to Bihar Police Service with effect from 19th January, 1978 and is presently posted as Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Hajipur on the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police. He has been confirmed on that post in the year 1981. Intervenors 2 to 18, except No. 15, are also direct recruits and No. 15, is a promotee. Petitioner of C.W.J.C. No. 3591