1Challenge in these appeals is to the order passed by the Andhra Pradesh Administrative Tribunal at Hyderabad (in short 'the Tribunal'). The controversy lies within a very narrow compass i.e. the date of seniority of the appellant and, therefore, a brief reference to the factual aspects would suffice.

2 Appellant joined as Welfare Officer in Andhra Pradesh Jails Department on 8.9.1978. He completed his probation on 5.10.1981. On 16.6.1983, nine posts of Deputy Superintendent of Jails were notified to be filled up and on 25.8.1983 an advertisement was issued by a requisite Gazette Notification by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (in short the 'Commission') for filling up the aforesaid vacancies by direct recruitment. Five years' service is required for an employee other than a direct recruit to be eligible for consideration for the said post. On 16.10.1984, 11 prisons welfare officers and jailors were appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Jails on ad hoc basis Appellant joined as Deputy Superintendent of Jails on 20.10.1984 on the aforesaid ad hoc basis. The Commission conducted the written examination in October 1985 and interviews were conducted in October 1986. The re