(1.) Since common question is involved in all these writ petitions, all these writ petitions are disposed of by a common order.
(2.) The petitioners in all these petitions are Drivers in various departments of the Tamil Nadu Government. They have sought for the issuance of writ in the nature of Mandamus directing the Government to pay them Selection Grade and Special Grade at Rs.5000-150-8000 and Rs.5500-175-9000 on completion of 10 years and 20 years of service respectively as per the Government Order in G.O.Ms.No.162, Finance (Pay Cell) Department, dated 13.04.1998 of the Tamil Nadu Government.
(3.) Therefore, the issue for consideration is as to whether the Drivers in various Departments of Tamil Nadu Government are entitled to Selection Grade and Special Grade pay in Rs.5000-150-8000 and Rs.5500-175-9000 on completion of 10 years and 20 years of their service as per G.O.Ms.No.162, Finance (Pay Cell) Department, dated 13.04.1998 with effect from 01.01.1996.