I.A. Ansari, J.

1. We have heard Mr. P.K. Tiwari, learned Counsel, for the Appellant, and Ms. G. Deka, learned Additional Senior Government Advocate, for the Respondent Nos. 1 to 3. We have also heard Mr. P.D. Nair, learned Counsel, for the Respondent No. 4. BACKGROUND FACTS:

2. When the (Group B) General and Central Service (Law Officer-cum-Junior Draftsman Post) Recruitment Rules, 1979, (hereinafter referred to as 'the 1979 Rules') were in force, Respondent No. 4 herein, namely, Shri Hajulu Pulu, was, initially, appointed, without holding any selection process, as a Law Officer-cum-Junior Draftsman, in the Department of Law and Judicial, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, on contractual basis, on a consolidated pay of Rs. 9000/-, with effect from 23.05.2001. Thereafter, Respondent No. 4 was appointed as Law Officer on ad hoc basis, with effect from 27.12.2002, against a vacant sanctioned post by order, dated 27.12.2002, issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. This ad hoc appointment too was made without holding any selection process whatsoever.

3. In course of time, the 1979 Rules came to be substituted by the Law Officer-cum-Junior Draftsman Recr