1. Heard Dr. S. N. Jha, Mr. Vinod Kumar Kanth and others respective learned counsel of the respective cases for the petitioners and Mr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary, learned Government Pleader No. 8 for the State.

2. These writ applications arise out of common order, as contained in memo no. 7946 dated 16.11.2000, passed by the Secretary, Department of Finance, Government of Bihar, Patna, and common questions of law and facts are involved therein, therefore, these writ applications have been heard together and are being disposed by this common order.

3. Petitioners of these writ applications are assistant teachers of different High Schools and they are aggrieved by the order, as contained in memo no. 7946 dated 16.11.2000, passed by the Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Bihar, whereby and whereunder directions have been issued to the Headmasters of the schools in question to recover the excess amount paid to the respective teachers from their salary and necessary endorsements were directed to be made in the service book of the teachers concerned, as pay fixation of the petitioners and likewise teachers of Middie Schools and Elementary Schools under Rule 22(c) of the Fun