A.V. Savant, C.J.

Heard all the learned counsel; Mr. Benoy Thomas for the petitioners, and Mr. K.Ramakumar, Senior Central Government Standing Counsel, Mr. M.R. Rajendran Nair, Mr. P. Sukumaran Nayar, Mr. P. Kesavan Nair, Mr. K.G. Cleetus, Mr. N. Govindan Nair, Mr. K. Unnikrishna Kurup, Mr. P. Parameswaran Nair and Mr. P. Thomas Joseph for respondents.

2. These two petitions have been placed for final hearing before us pursuant to the reference order, dated 20th July, 1993 passed by the learned Single Judge. Petitions are filed by candidates who failed to get appointment as Junior Telecom Officers despite their claim that they have satisfied the qualifications prescribed in the notification, Ext. P2, issued by the Department of Telecommunications, Kerala Telecommunication Circle. In O.P. No. 7508/90 there are three petitioners. Originally, there were only two respondents. The first respondent is the Chief General Manager, Telecommunication, Kerala Circle and the second respondent is one of the persons appointed as Junior Telecom Officer pursuant to the said notification, Ext. P2. The remaining respondents are those who have been appointed subsequently and, hence, were add