( 1. ) BY order dated 24-7-1985 this petition was directed to be heard along with Misc. Petitions Nos. 454 of 1984 (Yeshwant Gawate v. State of M. P. and ors.), 455 of 1984 (Vallabhdas Gupta v. State of M. P. and ors,), 440 of 1984 (Badrilal Solanki v. Distt. Education Officer and ors.), 623 of 1984 (Ratansingh v. State of M. P. and ors.) and 975 of 1984 (Kanhaiyalal Vyas v. District Education Officer and ors. ). As all these petitions involve a common question of law, the only difference even in facts is with regard to the school or schools in which the petitioners served their length of service the times of promotion as Head Master are also materially the same. They are, therefore, heard together and are being decided by a common order. The order in this petition shall govern the disposal of all these petitions,

( 2. ) THE following Chart gives a clear picture of service record of each of the petitioners :

The length of service as Head Master is of considerable importance. Four petitioners have served as Head Master for almost about ten years while the two remaining have served for about two decades prior to their reduction in rank as Assistant Teachers.

( 3. ) MATERIAL fa