1. The writ appellants, who are the unsuccessful writ petitioners of WP(C) No. 1419 of 2002, filed the present appeal against the judgment and order of the learned Single Judge dated 15.6.2007 for dismissing WP(C) No. 1419 of 2002 assailing the order of the commandant 9th Bn. Manipur Rifles (M.R), dated 15.1.2001 for dismissing the writ petitioners from their service as Riflemen and also the order of the appellate authority, i.e., the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ops-II) Manipur, Imphal being No. W-4/103/99-DIG (Ops-II) dated 5.4.2001 for dismissing the appeals filed by the appellants/writ petitioners.

2. Heard Mr. B.P. Sahu and Mr. Kh. Tarun Kumar, learned counsel for the appellants/writ petitioners as well as Mr. Th. Ibohal, learned GA appearing for the respondents.

3. Factual Background:

The appellants/writ petitioners were serving as riflemen of the 9th Battalion Manipur Rifles. On 16.10.1998 the appellants/writ petitioners and six other personnel of 9th Battalion Manipur Rifles were detailed for Kangpokpi Chalwa weekly escort convoy and on returning from Maknilong Village at about 5.30 p.m. when they reached near Gelbung Village on I.T. Road, the convoy w