A.K.Yog, J. - (1.) All the respondents in these writ petitions are represented by Standing Counsel and Shri Sudhir Agrawal, advocate. Counter and rejoinder affidavits have been filed in some of these petitions. As agreed at the Bar, writ petition filed by Kumari Archana Mehta is treated as leading case. All the counsel, representing respective parties agreed to argue their cases on the basis of pleadings already on record and further that all these cases be decided finally at admission stage as contemplated under Rules of Court.
(2.) 'Selection process' adopted by the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad for making appointment on certain posts of Typist and Routine Grade Assistant under Allahabad High Court Officers and Staff (Condition of Service and Conduct) Rules, 1976 (called the 'Rules, 1976') is being challenged by means of these writ petitions under Article 226, Constitution of India. The process of selection is, however, still midway and yet to be completed.
(3.) The undisputed facts, for the purposes of deciding these cases, are that the High Court issued an advertisement, which was published in Daily Newspaper on 5th November, 1989. Relevant extract of the advertisement in question has been annexed as Annexure-2 to the leading petition. Applications were invited from eligible candidates to appear in an examination for filling up 135 vacant posts of Typists/Routine Grade Clerks. Total 38,479 application forms were received. Applications of 37,214 candidates were cleared, out of which 28.694 candidates appeared in the said examination from different fifty-two centres. All examiners were called at one place. Answer books were got evaluated between 19th to 23rd February 2001, by more than hundred examiners each day under supervision of personnels deputed by Controller of Examination appointed by 'Examination Committee', headed by a sitting Judge of the High Court.;