Sanjay K. Agrawal, J.

The petitioners, who are six in number, had filed this writ petition calling in question legality and validity of the advertisement dated 4-5- 2013 and the merit list dated 22-8-2014 (Annexure P-1) and also the appointment of respondents No.3 to 13 on the post of Data Entry Operator.

2. The above-stated challenge has been made on the following factual background: -

3. The Chhattisgarh State Agriculture Marketing Board - respondent No.2 herein (for short 'the Board') issued an advertisement for recruitment and appointment on various posts including 12 posts of Data Entry Operator. Method of selection was clearly specified in the said advertisement. A category-wise list was to be prepared on the basis of merit based on the respective marks secured by the candidates on the strength of their minimum educational qualifications as prescribed under the Regulations and the advertisement. It further provides that amongst the candidates so placed in the merit list, candidates in the proportion being five times the number of posts advertised in the order of merit shall be called for proficiency test/interview. A merit list shall then be prepared on the basis of cumul