Same question arises for consideration in these Original Petitions. The question is one relating to fixation of seniority among Deputy Tahsildars. On the decision of that issue these original petitions can be disposed of. Therefore I consider it advantageous to deal with these original petitions by a common judgment.

2. Learned counsel appearing in these cases on either side agreed to treat O.P. No. 2709/89 as the main case because all relevant documents have been marked in the case. So I am referring to the parties and the documents as they are arrayed and marked in it.

3. Fjct.P1 G.O.(P) No. 852/80/RD dated 16-6-80 is the Special Rules relating to Kerala Revenue Subordinate Service (Deputy Tahsildars). Clause 4 of that Rule dealing with appointment states that appointment of Deputy Tahsildars shall be made either by recruitment by transfer from among the members of the Kerala Ministerial Subordinate Service employed in the Land Revenue Department or by direct recruitment. For getting recruitment by transfer a person should pass the Revenue Test (Travancore) or Revenue Test (Cochin), or Revenue Test (Madras), Account Test (Lower) or Account Test or Subordinate Officers P