S. Muralidhar, J.

151 Constables of the Border Security Force (BSF) [(53 in W.P. (C) 6680 of 2017 and 98 in W.P. (C) 10189 of 2017] have come together to file the present petitions seeking a writ of mandamus to the Respondents to extend to them the benefit of the Old Pension Scheme in accordance with the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

2. The background facts are that the Petitioners applied for recruitment in the BSF pursuant to an advertisement issued by the Office of the DIG and Commandant, Training Centre and School, BSF, Hazaribagh in August, 2003 as well as Frontier Headquarters BSF, Rajasthan and Gujarat in November, 2003. The advertisement stated that the selection would be made state-wise. It was to be based on Physical Efficiency Test ("PET") followed by a written test and personal interview and further subject to medical examination as per the BSF standards.

3. A notification was issued on 4th August, 2003 by the Ministry of Home Affairs ("MHA") with the direction to the Director General, BSF (Respondent No.2) to complete the entire process by 31st October, 2003 so that the selected candidates could be dispatched to their respective training centres before 15th Decem