B.P. Katakey, J.

1. Four Judicial Officers of the State of Meghalaya by the present writ petition have challenged the notification dated 22nd August 2000, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Meghalaya, Law (A) Department, appointing Sri Wanlura Diengdoh, an advocate, as Addl. District and Sessions Judge, Shillong in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 233(1) of the Constitution of India.

2. The facts in brief is that an advertisement dated 13th July 1999 was issued by the Registrar General of the High Court inviting application from the practicing advocates for recruitment to the post of Addl. District and Sessions Judge, Shillong (Grade-I Judicial post of State of Maghalaya) having minimum seven years standing practice at the bar and maximum age limit of 45 years as on 1st June 1999, pursuant to which five candidates including the Respondent No. 3 applied or selection against the said post. On the basis of the selection made, a select list was thereafter prepared selecting three candidates for appointment against the said post wherein one Sudip Ranjan Sen, was placed at Sl. No. 1 and the Respondent No. 3 at Sl. No. 2. Pursuant to such selection t