N. P. Singh, J. - (1.) The appellants in three appeals filed a writ application before the High Court, claiming seniority over respondents Nos. 2 to 29 of the said application and sought a direction from the High Court, for correction of the seniority list of Assistant Engineers Class II, published by the Haryana State Electricity Board (hereinafter referred to as "the Board"). The said writ application was dismissed by a learned Judge of the High Court. The appeal filed on behalf of the appellants was also dismissed by the said High Court.
(2.) An advertisement dated June 30, 1967 was published by the Board inviting applications for the posts of Assistant Engineers Class II (Electrical) and Apprentice Engineers (Electrical). Pursuant to the said advertisement, the appellants made applications for Apprentice Engineers (Electrical). The advertisement prescribed three conditions. The first condition was in respect of the academic qualifications. The second condition relating to the period of apprenticeship was as follows:- "He will have to undergo apprenticeship for a period of six months of such period as may be decided by the Board which can be extended up to a maximum of three years. After completion of the said training, they will be considered for appointment to the post of Assistant Engineer Class II in the scale of Rs. 350-25450/40-M/40-800 with starting salary of Rs. 350/- p.m. on the basis of their work and conduct." The third condition was in respect of giving in undertaking in writing that the candidate shall serve the board for a period of two years after completion of his training. In the offer of appointment issued to the appellants, it was said:- "Apprenticeship:You will have to undergo apprenticeship for a period of one year or such period as may be decided by the Board. After completion of the above said training" you will be considered for appointment to the post of Asstt. Engineer Class-II in the scale of Rs.350-25450/30-600/EB40-800 at the basic pay of Rs- 350/- p.m. on the basis of your work and conduct."
(3.) After completion of the training in terms of the advertisement and the offer of appointment, the appellants were appointed as Assistant Engineers Class-II, w.e.f. January 1, 1969.;