Michael Zothankhuma, J.

Heard Mr. N. Sailo, senior counsel assisted by Ms. Vanhmingliani, counsel for the petitioners. Also head Mr. Samuel Vanlalhriata Chhangte, Govt. Advocate for the respondent Nos. 1 to 4 and Mr. C. Lalramzuava, senior counsel for the respondent Nos. 5 to 13 assisted by Mr. Benjamin Lalthlamuana.

2. Mr. N. Sailo, senior counsel for the petitioners submits that the case relates to inter-se-seniority between the petitioners and the private respondents in the post of Data Entry Operators (DEO for short).

3. The petitioners counsel submits that the petitioner Nos. 1 & 2 were engaged in the Accounts & Treasuries Wing of the Finance Department, Govt. of Mizoram as Data Entry Operators on muster roll basis on 1.4.2011, petitioner Nos. 3 to 5 on 20.11.2012 and petitioner No.6 on 27.11.2012. On the other hand, the respondent Nos.5 to 13 were appointed as Computer Operators on muster roll basis between the period from 17.2.2000 to 29.3.2010.

4. The petitioners counsel also submits that in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Con