Heard Mr. I. Longjem, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. K. Sema, learned Addl. Advocate General, Nagaland as well as Mr. R. Iralu, learned Sr. counsel appearing on behalf of respondent No. 15. The remaining respondents did not enter appearance despite service of notice.

2. The instant writ petition has been filed by the petitioners, two in number, who are officiating in the post of General Manager/ Deputy Director under the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland, inter -alia, challenging the validity of the final seniority list dated 26-07-2011 in so far as the grade of Functional Manager/ Assistant Director is concerned and also the notification dated 19-08-2011 by means of which the respondent No. 3 to 13 have been given officiating promotion to the post of Deputy Director/ General Manager under the Directorate of Industries, Nagaland.

3. The case of the petitioners, in brief, is that by the notification dated 19-12-1988 issued by the Under Secretary, Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), Kohima, recommendations were made in favour of 8 (eight) numbers of candidates for appointment against the vacant posts of Inspector of Industries/ Exte