S.B.Sinha, J.

1. This writ application is directed against an office order dated 30th March, 1991 issued by the respondent No. 2 whereby and where under the respondent Nos. 3 to 8 were promoted to the post of Area Manager/Senior Manager with effect from 8-3-1991.

2. According to the petitioners, they are seniors to respondent Nos. 3 to 8 as will appear from their respective dates of appointment which are as follows:-

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(1) D.P. Singh (Petitioner No. 1, 3-3-1981.)

(2) Rabindra Nath (Petitioner No. 2) 3-3-1981.

(3) K.K. Majhi (Petitioner No. 3) 26-12-1980.

(4) Lain Oraon (Respondent No. 3) 26-12-1980.

(5) Arjun Vishwakarma (Respondent No. 4) 3-3-1981.

(6) Ashok Kumar Tetarbe (Respondent No. 5) 15-10-1981.

(7) Ashok Kumar Sharma (Respondent No. 6) 15-10-1981.

(8) Mukul Kumar Singh (Respondent No. 7) 15-10-1981.

(9) Vijay Prakash Shah (Respondent No. 8) 15-10-1981.

3. Petitioner No. 3 K.K. Majhi claimed his seniority over respondent No. 3 also, apart from respondent Nos. 4 to 8 though both of them are members of the scheduled tribe and in that category his name appears at serial No. 1; whereas the name of respondent No. 3 appears at serial No. 3 thereof.

4. According to the pet