Permod Kohli, J.

1. These four petitions were referred to Division Bench by the then Acting Chief Justice vide order dated 19.6.2006 in view of the judgment of the Apex Court in Union of India v. Rajesh P.U., Puthuvalnikathu and Anr. .

2. Petitioners in these writ applications are candidates for the post of Constables in the police department from four districts of the State, namely, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Chatra and Giridih. It is useful to briefly notice the factual background leading to the filing of present writ applications. State of Jharkhand issued advertisement notice No. 01/04 published in various newspapers on 13.1.2004 inviting applications for the post of Constables for all the districts of the State. The last date of submission of the applications was fixed as 15.2.2004. The petitioners in this case applied for selection in the aforesaid four districts of the State. Petitioners belonging to four districts have given details in the writ applications about their residence etc. All the petitioners were issued admit cards and were allotted roll numbers. Under the order of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Personnel), Jharkhand. Ranchi, a notice was published in Hind