JUDGMENT

Sandeep Mehta, J. - These special appeals (writ) involve common question of law and were clubbed together. However, as the same are directed against different orders passed by learned Single Bench and involve distinct factual issues, the same are being decided separately.

2. All the three appeals involve the issue "Whether or not candidates, having criminal antecedents, can be permitted to join Government service upon their selection on merit'. The State Government has issued circulars dated 15.07.2016 and 04.12.2019 laying down the guidelines for entry into service of such candidates. Relevant clauses which are common to both circulars are reproduced herein below for the sake of ready reference:

"Character. The character of a candidate for direct recruitment to the service must be such as to qualify him for employment in the service. He must produce a certificate of good character from the principal/Academic Officer of the University or College in which he was last educated and two such certificates written not more than six months prior to the dale of application from two responsible persons not connected with the College or University and not related to him.

(1) A convictio