N.P. SINGH, J.

1. These applications have been filed on behalf of the petitioners for a writ of mandamus directing the respondent–State to consider them for appointment to the posts of Munsifs in the Bihar Civil Service (Judicial Branch). Petitioners of writ applications, C.W.J.C. No. 1617 of 1983 and C.W.J.C. 1955 of 1983 had appeared at the 18th Competitive Examination whereas the petitioners of C.W.J C. No. 1868 of 1983 and C.W.J.C. No. 2207 of 1983 had appeared at the 19th Competitive Examination, for recruitment to the Bihar Civil Service (Judicial Branch).

2. On 8.8.1978 the Bihar Public Service Commission (hereinafter to be referred to as 'the Commission') advertised 23 posts of Munsif and invited applications for the same. A copy of the advertisement is Annexure–1 to C.W.J.C. No. 1855 of 1983. On 12.10.1979 the Commission recommended names of 14 applicants. There was no recommendation in respect of 9 posts. In October, 1979 again an advertisement was issued for the 19th Competitive Examination and it was notified that 83 posts were to be filed on basis of the said examination. In September, 1979, 56 more posts of Munsifs had been created. On 29.11.1979 the State Gover