1. - In the instant writ petition and 12 other cognate writ petitions, particulars of which are mentioned in the annexed schedule, which may be treated as part of this order, common question of law and facts are involved, therefore, all these petitions are heard together and are disposed of by this common order.

2. For disposal of this petition and cognate petitions, it is worthwhile to take cognizance of the facts narrated in this petition.

3. The brief facts, giving rise to this petition, are that as per petitioners, all of them belong to Dhanka community and are residents of District Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar. It is specifically averred in the writ petition by the petitioners that as per the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act 1976 dated 18th of September 1976, published by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs, (Legislative Department, Government of India, in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary Part II No.151 dated 20.09.1976, Part XV Rajasthan enforced w.e.f. 27.07.1977 in the State of Rajasthan, Dhanka caste is mentioned as Serial No.4 of the Scheduled Tribe List. The petitioners have also placed on record the Notification dated