JUDGMENT

(Dated this the 13th day of February 2024)

Petitioners got appointment as Junior Assistant pursuant to the examination conducted by the 3rd respondent and advice. The next promotion is to the post of Project Assistant/ Unit Manager and Accountant/Senior Assistant. The sanctioned strength of the Project Assistant/ Unit Manager is 42 and that of Accountant/Senior Assistant is 29. There are only 6 permanent employees in the post of Project Assistant/ Unit Manager and 18 permanent employees in Accountant/Senior Assistant. As per the relevant rules, the post of Project Assistant/ Unit Manager and Accountant/Senior Assistant are to be filled up by promotion from a qualified Junior Assistant and, in the absence of qualified hands, by direct recruitment. The petitioners have already passed the Account Test (Higher) and are qualified to be promoted. But without promoting the petitioners, the 3rd respondent issued notification for appointment to the post of Project Assistant/ Unit Manager and Accountant/Senior Assistant as per Ext. Nos.P1 and P2. On coming to know about the notification, the petitioners submitted representation to stop the direct recruitment process and fill the post