JUDGMENT

Jyoti Singh, J.

1. This writ petition has been preferred by the Petitioners laying a challenge to the letter dated 23.07.2018 issued by Respondent No. 1 and letters dated 24.07.2018 and 01.08.2018, issued by Respondent No. 3 and seeking a declaration that Petitioners are governed by terms of appointments envisaged in advertisement dated 05.03.2015 and Notification dated 21.11.2016 as well as Rule 3 of National Monuments Authority (Conditions of Service of Chairman and Members of the Authority and Conduct of Business) Rules, 2011 (hereinafter referred to as `NMA Rules, 2011') read with Section 20H of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendments and Validation) Act, 2010 (hereinafter referred to as `2010 Act').

2. Factual expose to the extent relevant and as averred in the writ petition is that Petitioner No. 1 retired from the post of Additional Director, Urban Administration and Development on 30.04.2015, Government of Madhya Pradesh and Petitioner No. 2 retired from Central Public Works Department, Government of India, while working in the post of Senior Architect.

3. Respondent No. 1/Ministry of Culture, Government of India invited applications th