This writ petition is preferred by writ petitioners, 97 in numbers.

2. We have heard Mr. P. Prasad assisted by Miss C. Jajo, learned counsel for the petitioners. We have also heard Mr. EY Renthungo, learned Junior Govt. Advocate for the respondents.

3. The petitioners are at present employed under the Nagaland Hand-loom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (in short NHHDC» under various capacities as Weaving Superintendent, Weaving Inspector, Accountant Craftsman, Craft Inspector, Marketing Assistant, Manager Peon, Chowkidar, Sweeper, Typist etc. Most of the petitioners are the holders of non-Gazetted posts accept few. The NHHDC was established for the first time on 1st May, 1979.

4. Prior to the establishment of NHHDC, the petitioners were the employees under the Directorate of Industries. Their appointments were made some times in between the years 1967 and 1978. Appointment of the petitioners to various posts are available at Annexures A to E in this writ petition. All the appointments of the petitioners were made to various p ists under the Directorate of Industries and as would appear from Annexures A to E, that the initial appointment of the petitioners were ma