1. These are connected writ petitions under Art.226 of the Constitution. They raise common questions of law and fact. Hence they can be considered in a common judgment.

2. In these petitions, the petitioners who are serving as Enquiry Cum Reservation Clerks in the Northern Railway, seek the following reliefs:
(1) a writ of mandamus to respondent No. 1 (General Manager, Northern Railway) requiring him to withdraw his order dated November 3, 1965, (order No. 754E / 20 - II (Trip) (EIC) and to restore the names of the petitioners on the panel as shown in Annexure 'E' to the petition and to make promotions on the basis of that panel;
(2) a writ of mandamus to Respondent No. 2 (Railway Board) to withdraw its direction and orders to Respondent No. 1 to partially cancel the panel shown at Annexure 'E' to the petition and
(3) for consequential reliefs.

3. The Railw