Sanjay Karol, J. (Oral):-In the present writ petition the petitioner has prayed for the following reliefs:

“(i) To regularise the applicants from the date of their initial appointment i.e. in the month of February-March, 1995, with all consequential benefits of pay, arrears, seniority, etc. etc. In the alternative, it is submitted that the respondents may very kindly be directed to regularise the applicants against the posts for which now letters have been issued offering the posts on contingencies basis in the interest of law and justice.

(ii) That the impugned action of the respondents above stated may very kindly be quashed and set-aside to secure the ends of justice.

(iii) That the respondents may very kindly be directed to pay interest @ 18% PA on the arrears.

(iv) Exemplary costs, as provided in section 35-A of CPC may very kindly be awarded in favour of the applicants and gains the respondents.”

2. Respondent No. 2 issued requisition to the Regional Employment Exchange, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, requesting for sponsoring the names of candidates for the appointment of Class-IV posts. In all, requisition for 40 posts was sent which were to be filled up in accordance