PRADEEP NANDRAJOG, J.

1. The controversy involved in the present intra-court appeal relates to regularization of services of (fifteen) contingent employees engaged by Oil & Natural Gas Commission (hereinafter referred to as the ONGC).

2. ONGC issued Standing Orders on July 15, 1962 concerning contingent employees employed in various units of ONGC, the relevant portion whereof reads as under:-

“1. Application and date of commencement: These orders shall come into force on 15.7.1962 and shall apply to all workmen called contingent employees employed in the various units of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission). They shall not apply to regular employee of the Commission to whom Fundamental and Supplementary Rules, Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, Central Civil Services (Temporary Services) Rules, Revised Leave Rules and Civil Service Regulations have been extended.

2. (i) Classification of Workmen – The contingent employee of the Commission shall hereafter be classified as:-

(a) Temporary

(b) Casual