Koshy, J.

Appellants in these cases applied for the post of Surveyor Grade II in pursuance to Ext.P1 notification. Qualifications prescribed in the Special Rules for the post are the following:

"(1) A pass in S.S.L.C. examination or possession of any of the other equivalent qualification specified in the schedule to Part II of the General Rules.

(2) Must possess:-

(i) I.T.I. (Surveyor Trade) Certificate introduced with effect from the year 1966; or

(ii) The I.T.I. (Surveyor Trade)

Certificate issued prior to the year 1966 and satisfactorily completed six months in plant training according to the rules approved by the Board of Revenue in this regard; or

(iii) A pass in Surveying and Levelling (Higher) M.G.T.E. or K.G.T.E. with Chain Survey Test; or

(iv) Experience in Military service for a period of six years in Surveyor trade;

Provided that in the absence of candidates with the technical qualifications mentioned above, a pass in Higher Survey Test shall be deemed sufficient:

Provided further that in the absence of candidates with any of the technical qualifications mentioned above, a pass in Chain Survey Test shall be deemed sufficient."

Appellants are candidates with di