Michael Zothankhuma, J.

1. Heard Ms. Zhimomi, learned Counsel for the petitioners. Mr. K. Sema, learned Sr. Addl. Advocate General appears for the State Government assisted by Ms. Livika for respondent Nos. 1 to 26, except 7 and 19. Mr. Taka Masa, learned Counsel appears for the respondent No. 7. Mr. C.T. Jamir, learned Senior Counsel appears for the respondent Nos. 80 to 137. Mr. K. Ndang, learned Counsel appears for the respondent Nos. 64 to 68 and 70 to 73. Ms. Naomy Sale, learned counsel appears for the respondent Nos. 21 and Mr. K. Kire, learned Counsel appears for the respondent No. 19.

2. The petitioners' case in brief is that the State respondents have been making rampant backdoor appointments to various Class I, Class II, Class III and Class IV posts under the Government of Nagaland on contract/ad hoc basis and regularizing the said appointees by way of the impugned O.M. dated 04.08.2008 and O.M. dated 11.08.2016, which is in violation of the directions of the Apex Court in the case of State of Karnataka Vs. Umadevi, reported in 2006 (4) SCC 1.

3. The petitioner's counsel submits that no advertisements have been issued by the State respondents before appointing pers