Cyriac Joseph, C.J.

1. The petitioners belong to Group 'A' Cadre of Indian Telecom Services. They were recruited by the Union Public Service Commission through Indian Engineering Services Examination. All the petitioners are now working with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL). They are working with BSNL on deputation.

2. On 24'" March 2005, the Government of India, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued Annexure 3 Circular Letter inviting options for absorption in MTNL/BSNL, from Group 'A' officers of Indian Telecom Services (ITS)/ Telegraph Traffic Services (TTS), Telecom Factory Services (TFS). As per Annexure 3 Circular dated 24-03-2005, the effective date of absorption will be 01-10-2000. The option once exercised shall be final and would not be allowed to be withdrawn by the officer concerned at a later stage. Officers not exercising any option as prescribed will be deemed to have opted for Government service. No conditional option shall be accepted and any such offer shall be treated as if the officer has not exercised option for absorption in MTNL/BSNL. Department of Telecommunications will consider the option exercised by Group 'A: officers