VISCOUNT AHONGSANGBAM Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR, REPRESENTED BY COMMISSIONER/SECRETARY (DP), GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Shri A. Bimol, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners; Shri R.S. Reisang, learned Senior Government Advocate appearing for the respondent Nos. 1 and 2; Shri S. Biswajit, learned counsel appearing for the respondent No. 3; Shri R.K. Deepak, learned counsel appearing for the respondent No. 4; Shri B.P. Sahu, learned Senior Advocate and Ms. Th. Babita, learned counsels appearing for the respondent No. 6; Shri Kh. Tarunkumar, learned counsel appearing for the respondent No. 7, and Shri H.S. Paonam, learned Senior Advocate appearing for the respondent No. 5.

(2.) By the instant writ petition, the petitioners have prayed for issuing a writ of Certiorari for quashing and setting aside the Notification dated 28-04-2016 issued by the Manipur Public Service Commission (hereinafter referred to as "the MPSC") in respect of the private respondent Nos. 6 and 7 only and the Government order dated 21-12-2016 appointing them as the Additional Government Advocate (High Court) and also for issuing a writ of Mandamus directing the State respondents to appoint the petitioners as the Additional Government Advocate (High Court) on the basis of the recommendation/merit list dated 28-04-2016 of the MPSC.

(3.) [3.1] The Government of Manipur issued a notification dated 20-10-2015 notifying the rules called "The Department of Law & Legislative Affairs, Manipur [Additional Government Advocate (High Court)], Recruitment Rules, 2015 (hereinafter referred to as "the Recruitment Rules, 2015") whereby the method of recruitment for appointment of 4 (four) Additional Government Advocate (High Court) was by direct recruitment and the essential and desirable qualifications are as under:-