Hon’ble Ashok Bhushan, J.—These two writ petitions were clubbed together and are being deciding by this common judgment. These writ petitions have been filed by same petitioner against the orders passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal (hereinafter called the “Tribunal”) claiming seniority and other benefits as Income Tax Inspector. Hearing in both the writ petitions commenced together, but in Writ Petition No. 56072/2010, hearing was concluded and judgment reserved on 31.1.2012, whereas the hearing of the Writ Petition No. 23672/2006 could be concluded and judgment reserved on 21.3.2012. However, the issues involved in both the writ petitions being interconnected, both the writ petitions are decided by this common judgment.

2. The facts giving rise to these two writ petitions are as follows:

Writ Petition No. 23672/2006: The petitioner appeared in the Income Tax Inspector Examination, 1987 conducted by the Staff Selection Commission as a candidate from Maharashtra Zone. The result of the aforesaid examination was declared on 25.6.1988 and the petitioner topped the said examination. The petitioner was issued appointment letter by the Office of Commissioner of Income