Rajesh Bindal, J.

1. This order will dispose of four appeals bearing LPA Nos. 102 to 105 of 2018, as common questions of law and facts are involved therein. However, the facts have been extracted from LPA No. 102 of 2018.

2. Order passed by the learned Single Judge dated 7.12.2017 dismissing the writ petition being highly belated has been impugned in the present intra-court appeal.

3. Briefly, the facts are that the State advertised 350 posts of Physical Training Instructors (175 male and 175 female) on 28.3.2001. The educational qualification prescribed was 'Matric along with Certificate in Physical Education' recognised by the Government of Punjab. Admittedly, the selection was finalized and appointments were made in the year 2001 itself.

4. Some of the candidates aggrieved against the selection on the ground that they possessed qualification higher than the prescribed in the advertisement filed CWP No. 11456 of 2001 - Amardeep Singh and others vs State of Punjab and another, CWP No. 15045 of 2001 - Baljit Singh and others vs State of Punjab and another and CWP No. 13199 of 2001 - Paramjit Kaur vs State of Punjab and another. The same were admitted. Finally the writ petitio