ORDER

(Pronounced by Hon’ble Mr. Sisir Kumar Ratho, Member(A))

The instant batch of Original Applications have been filed assailing the Government of Puducherry (Assistant) Recruitment Rules, dt. 29.05.2012 and subsequent notifications dt. 16.02.2023 as well as notification dt. 14.03.2024 of Government of Puducherry for filling up posts of Assistants through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) and Direct Recruitment (DR) respectively under the said Recruitment Rules-2012. Since the issue involved and the subject matter as well as the relief prayed are similar, a common order is being passed in these OAs.

2. The applicants have sought the reliefs in these OAs as follows:-

“i. OA 576/2020 :-

a) Call for the records of the 2nd Respondent in G.O.Ms. No. 42/2012.- DP&AR notified on 29.5.2012 being the recruitment rule to the post of Assistant and the consequential recruitment notification in No: A- 34012/1/2023/DP&AR (Exam) Dated 16.2.2023 issued by the 2nd Respondent and to set them aside;

b) Consequently to direct the Respondents to consider the candidature of Applicants / UDCs for promotion to the post of Assistant from 2017, being the year in which they became eligible;

c)