JUDGMENT

These writ petitions raise a common issue regarding the challenge against revision of seniority list of Assistants Grade I by the Agricultural University. Since common issues arise for consideration, they are disposed of by a common judgment. W.P.(C) No.24022/2003 was argued as the main case. Therefore, the facts narrated therein which are similar to the facts of the other writ petitions, are as follows:

2. Heard Shri N. Sugathan, Shri K.P. Dandapani, learned Senior Counsel, Shri M.P. Ashok Kumar, Shri P. Goapalakrishnan Nair and Shri P.N. Santhosh, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, Shri K.P. Mujeeb, learned Standing Counsel for the University, and learned Senior Counsel Shri K.R.B. Kaimal and Shri S.P. Aravindakshan Pillai appearing for the contesting respondents.

3. The petitioners in these writ petitions were appointed as Assistants Grade II in the years 1988 and 1989. They have been promoted as Assistants Grade I later, on various dates. Subsequent promotions have wpc 24022/2003, etc. 2 also been granted to them. As per the terms of the Ordinance regarding departmental test, all the University employees will have to pass the examination conducted by the Publi