Raveendran, J. -- 1. The appellant and the third respondent are working as clerk-cum-cashiers with the first respondent Bank (Rewa Sidhi Gramin Bank). The appellant is at serial No.9 and the third respondent is at serial No. 10 in the seniority list of senior c1erk-cum-cashiers published on 31.7.1988. There is no dispute that the third respondent is junior to the appellant in the cadre of clerk-cum-cashier.

2. The promotions of employees of the first respondent Bank (for short "the Bank") are governed by the Regional Rural Banks (Appointment and Promotion of Officers and Other Employees) Rules, 1988 (for short "the Rules") made by the Central Government in exercise of the power conferred by section 29 read with section 17 of the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976. Rule 5 provides that all vacancies shall be filled by deputation, promotion or by direct recruitment in accordance with the provisions contained in the second schedule. Rule 10 requires the Board of Directors of each Regional Rural Bank to constitute from time to time Staff Selection Committees in the manner provided therein for the purpose of selecting candidates for appointment by direct recruitment or promotion to the