JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. K.N. Choudhury, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. R. M. Deka, learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioners. Also heard Mr. D. Saikia, learned Advocate General, Assam assisted by Mr. D. Nath, learned Senior Government Advocate, Assam appearing for the respondent No.1 and Mr. T. J. Mahanta, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. P.P. Dutta, learned counsel appearing for the respondent Nos.2, 3 and 4. Mr. P. K. Goswami, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. B. P. Borah, learned counsel has appeared on behalf of the private respondent Nos.5 to 165.

2. By filing this writ petition the 21 petitioners have approached this Court challenging the select list dated 23.11.2022 prepared by the Assam Public Service Commissioner (in short, the APSC) for filling up 162 posts in the category of Veterinary Officer/ Block Veterinary Officer. The brief facts of the case are that on 22.07.2022, the Deputy Secretary to the APSC had issued an advertisement notice No.13/2022 inviting applications for filling up 162 vacancies in the category of Veterinary Officer/Block Veterin