Raveendran, C.J. -- 1. The petitioners are registered Architects possessing Decree in Architecture (B. Arch). They are presently employed' respectively as Draughtsman and Head Draughtsman in the office of the Chief Architect-cum-Chief Engineer (RDD), State Public Works Department. They belong to the Madhya Pradesh Public Works Engineering (Gazette) Service constituted under the M.P. Public Works' Engineering (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules. 1969 (for short the 'Recruitment Rules'). Their next promotional post is Assistant Architect Class II.

2. The recruitment to the post of Assistant Architect is governed by the Recruitment Rules. Schedule I of the said Recruitment Rules described the post of Assistant Architects as a Class II post. Schedule II to the Rules prescribes the mode of recruitment. Earlier the posts of Assistant Architects were required to be filled 50% by direct recruitment and 50% by promotion. Senior Architectural Draughtsman in the Chief Architect's Office having the requisite minimum educational qualification (Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or the prescribed equivalents) alone were to be considered for promotion as Assistant Architect. The Rules underw