1. The challenge in this Writ Petition is directed against Ext. P-2 Government Order G.O. (P) No. 100/80/H. Edn., dated 1st July 1980, where under a quota for promotion to the post of General Foreman and Senior Foreman Binding, have been fixed in the ratio 1:1 between the certificate holders on the one part and the Diploma holders in Printing Technology on the other. In the writ petition there are three petitioners. The 3rd Petitioner died during the pendency of the Writ Petition and the relief now sought for is only as regards to petitioners 1 and 2.

2. The first petitioner entered service as Printer on 17th April 1959. On 6th August 1962 he was promoted as Assistant Foreman Machine, on 1st January 1966 as Junior Foreman and 13th October 1971 as Senior Foreman The next promotion to which he is entitled to get is that of General Foreman.

3. The 2nd petitioner entered service as a Binder on 12th February 1954. He was promoted as an Assistant Foreman Binding on 28th December 1964 and as Junior Foreman on 3rd October 1972 and the next to which he is to be promoted as Senior Foreman. By a Government Order in 1957, the qualification for the posts right upto Junior Foreman was