Surya Kant, J. - (1.) The petitioners are working as Bill Clerks in the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, Government of Punjab. They have laid challenge to the vires of Rule 8(2)(c) of the Punjab Public Works Department (Public Health Circle) State Service Class-III Rules, 1983 (for short 'the 1983 Rules), to the extent of their exclusion from the feeder cadre for the purpose of promotion to the posts of Accounts Clerks and Assistants.
(2.) It may be mentioned here that as per the above-stated provision, the posts of Accounts Clerks and Assistants in the Department are to be filled in "by promotion from amongst the Clerks, Senior Clerks or Ledger Keepers or Meter Clerks...." Such posts can also be filled in by transfer. The petitioners thus want this Court to amend Rule 8(2) (c) (i) ibid and insert "Bills Clerks" as one of the source for promotion to the posts of Accounts Clerks and Assistants.
(3.) We have heard learned counsel for the petitioners at a considerable length.;