In all these writ petitions, the validity of G.O.534 dated 18. 2006 passed by the Government and consequential order dated 18. 2006 passed by the Chief Commissioner and Commissioner for Revenue Administration are assailed on the basis that it is not only against the principles of natural justice but also against G.O.Ms.No.864 Revenue Department dated 8. 1992 and also sought direction against the respondents to follow G.O.Ms.No.864.

2. The writ petitioners, who are either Village Administrative Officers or the Association of the Village Administrative Officers, have filed the above writ petitions.

3. It is an admitted case that the post of Village Administrative Officer was brought within the purview of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission by G.O. Ms.No.2747 Revenue Department dated 112. 1980. By subsequent G.O.Ms.No.362 Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Personnel-B) Department dated 26. 1988, the said post was included in the Ministerial service by way of amendment issued to the Special Rules for the Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service. As per the said Government Order, the person appointed under the Ministerial Service, with which the post of Village Administrative O