V. Ramasubramanian, J

1. These writ petitions arise out of a common order passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Madras Bench, Chennai, in a batch of Original Applications filed by persons holding the substantive posts of Telecom Technical Assistants (TTA) (hereinafter called the TTAs), but who are officiating in the post of Junior Telecom Officers (hereinafter called the JTOs).

2. We have heard Mr.AR.L.Sundaresan, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the Association of Telecom Technical Assistants of the Tamil Nadu Circle, Mr.N.Ramesh, learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing for the Union of India, Mr.M.Vaidyanathan, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the BSNL and Mr.C.K.Chandrasekar, learned counsel appearing for the contesting respondents, who were applicants before the Tribunal.

3. What was once the Department of Telecommunications, was split and a Public Sector Undertaking by name Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (hereinafter called the BSNL) was created from out of the said department with effect from 1.10.2000. Persons, who were employees of the