JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. Dhananjay Kumar Dubey, the learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr. Ravi Kerketta, the learned counsel for the respondent State and Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent No.4.

2. This writ petition has been heard through Video Conferencing in view of the guidelines of the High Court taking into account the situation arising due to COVID-19 pandemic. None of the parties have complained about any technical snag of audio-video and with their consent this matter has been heard.

3. The petitioner has preferred this writ petition for direction upon the respondents to pay the difference of salary as Additional Secretary w.e.f. 03.12.2013 to 31.01.2017 and further to pay the difference of salary as Special Secretary w.e.f. 25.11.2016 till 31.01.2017.

4. Pursuant to the advertisement in the year 1980 published by Bihar Public Service Commission for appointment in Class-II State service, the petitioner applied for appointment on such post and appeared in the written examination and interview. The petitioner was declared successful. Thereafter, the petitioner was appointed to the post of Deputy Collector- Class-II State service. The p