JUDGMENT :

Biraja Prasanna Satapathy, J.

Since both the Writ Petitions involve common issue with similar prayer, both the matters were heard analogously and disposed of by the present common order.

2. Both the Writ Petitions have been filed inter alia with the following prayer:-

“It is, therefore, humbly prayed that Your Lordships may graciously be pleased to admit the Writ Petition and after hearing the parties further be pleased to issue appropriate Writ(s)/ Order(s):-

(1) To quash and set-aside the condition mentioned in Eligibility/ Essential qualification provided under clause 2 of the Advertisement being Advertisement No. Ref. No. MCL/HQ/Recruitment/Statutory/2022/600 dated 15.12.2022 issued by Mahanadi Coalfield Limited under Annexure-1 whereby and where under the candidates possessing restricted competency Certificates have been declared not eligible for appearing in the selection process for recruitment to the various posts of Jr. Overman T&S Gr-C (82 vacancies), Mining Sirdar T&S Gr-C (145 vacancies) and Surveyor T&S Gr-B (68 vacancies) which is wholly arbitrary, unreasonable, whimsical and without application of mind and in complete violation of the Coal Mines Regulation, 201