JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. A.C. Borbora, the learned Senior counsel assisted by Ms. N. Begum, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners and Mr. R. Borpujari, the learned Standing counsel appearing on behalf of the Finance Department. I have also heard Mr. N.K. Debnath, the learned Standing counsel appearing on behalf of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department and Mr. C.S. Hazarika, the learned Standing counsel appearing on behalf of the Personnel Department.

2. The issue involved in the instant writ petition is as to whether there has been a disparity in the pay of the petitioners who are working in the cadre of Deputy Chief Executive Officer which is the promotional post from the post of Block Development Officer inasmuch as the Grade Pay is one and the same.

3. The facts involved in the instant case are that the petitioners herein were appointed as Block Development Officer on various dates. The petitioners thereupon were promoted to the post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer on 29.02.2016 and 26.06.2019 vide the promotional orders enclosed as Annexure-1 (series) to the instant writ petition. On 23.02.2021, the Governor of Assam in exercise of powers conferred unde