S.N. Pathak, J. - (1.) Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and learned counsel for the respondents.
(2.) Since the issues involved in all these writ petitions are common except some variations, they are being disposed of with a common order.
(3.) All the petitioners, except in W.P.(S). No. 6209 of 2012, 6270 of 2012, 3767 of 2013 and 5238 of 2016, have prayed for quashing the order as contained in Memo No. 263 Ranchi dated 22.01.2014 issued by Secretary, Agriculture and Cane Development, Govt. of Jharkhand, whereby the applicable Scales of Pay of the Officers of the Jharkhand Subordinate Agriculture Services, Category-1 to 9 on account of the First and the Second Financial Upgradation under the A.C.P. Scheme i.e. Rs.6500-10500 and Rs.10000-15200 respectively has been amended and thereafter, unilaterally a lower Scales of Pay of Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 respectively has been allowed. Further prayer has been made to treat the earlier order as contained in Memo No. 683 Ranchi dated 20.3.2007 as valid and legal. Petitioners have also prayed for payment of cost of litigation since the respondents have unnecessarily harassed the petitioners.;