P.P. Naolekar, J.

1. A batch of four writ petitions, namely, WP(C) No. 274(SH)/2001, WP(C) No. 275(SH)/2001, WP(C) No. 276(SH)/2001 and WP(C) No. 277(SH)/2001, involving similar questions of facts and law, were heard together by the learned Single Judge and decided by common judgment and order, dated 2.1.2003. Aggrieved by the directions contained therein, the private respondents in the said writ petitions have preferred the present five writ appeals, namely, Writ Appeal No. 29/2003, 30/2003, 31/2003, 32/2003 and 33/2003.

2. The facts, which are material for the purpose of disposal of the writ appeals, are not in controversy. What emerges as the admitted case of the parties may, in brief, be set out as follows :

(i) All the writ petitioners in these appeals are Post Graduates in different specialized fields of medical sciences. Following selection by the Meghalaya Public Service Commission, the writ petitioners joined, on different dates, the Meghalaya Health Service as specialists in the pay scale of Rs.1000-55-330-EB-70-1750. The writ petitioners in WP(C) No. 274 (SH)/2001, WP(C) No. 276 (SH)/2001 and WP(C) No. 275 (SH)/2001 have joined the said service on 14.7.1981, 24.1.19