S.J. Mukhopadhaya, J.

1. As both the writ petitions have been preferred by the common petitioner and relate to date of birth, they were heard together and are being disposed of by this common order.

2. In WP(S) No. 3343 of 2002, the petitioner has challenged the order, contained in letter No. 2617 dated 23rd February, 2002, whereby and whereunder, the petitioner has been communicated the date of birth as assessed by the Date of Birth Committee i.e., 11th of August, 1943. Further prayer has been made to direct the respondents to treat his date of birth as 17th April, 1953.

3. IN WP(S) No. 4137 of 2003, the petitioner has challenged the order, contained in Reference No. N/PD/1602 dated 4th March, 2002 issued by the project Officer, Nichitpur Colliery, so far as it relates to petitioner, whereby and whereunder, the petitioner has been informed the date on which he was to retire on attaining the age of 60 years i.e., 3-1 st August, 2002.

4. According to the petitioner, he was appointed in the service of Ex-Private Company on 4th December 1972, which was later on taken over by the respondent Bharat Coking Coal Limited (for short BCCL). His date of birth was recorded as 17th May, 1953 i