JUDGMENT

1. This matter has been taken up for hearing online because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

2. Since both the cases involve common issue and are based on identical facts, they have been heard together with the consent of the parties and are being disposed of by present common judgment and order.

3. I have heard Mr. Harsh Singh, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr. Lalit Kishore, learned Accountant General as Senior counsel assisted by Mr. Sanjay Pandey, learned counsel for the Bihar Public Service Commission (B.P.S.C. in short) in both the cases. Mr. Anjani Kumar, learned AAG-4 and Mr. PK. Verma, learned AAG-3 assisted by Ms. Divya Verma, learned AC to AAG-3 have represented the State of Bihar in C.W.J.C. No. 13107 of 2021 and C.W.J.C. No. 13421 of 2021 respectively.

4. Considering the nature of controversy involved in these matters, it is deemed beneficial to narrate, albeit briefly, the basic undisputed facts before noticing the relief which the petitioners have sought and rest of the matter.

5. These applications made under Article 226 of the Constitution of India arise out of a recruitment process for appointment as Assistant Engineers (civil engineering) pursuant