JUDGMENT

[1] Heard Shri Ng. Jotindra Luwang, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Shri Athouba Khaidem, learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents.

[2] The subject matter in issue relates to the claim of the petitioners for regularization of their ad-hoc services as the Lower Division Clerks in the Department of Command Area Development Authority, Government of Manipur.

[3.1] Facts and circumstances as narrated in the writ petition, in short, are that the petitioners were initially appointed as the Lower Division Clerks (for short, LDCs) on ad-hoc basis for a period of three months vide order dated 01-07-1999 issued by the Addl. Chief Engineer (CADA), Manipur and their ad-hoc services were extended from time to time. In the meantime, the petitioners approached the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench by way of a writ petition being WP(C) No.872 of 2000 which was disposed on 17-07-2000 directing the authority to fill up the posts held by them on regular basis soon after the ban was lifted and to allow them to continue in their services till then. Thereafter, questioning the termination/ downsizing the posts held by the petitioners, they along with some ot