(1.) In all these writ petitions the question of fact and law are common, therefore, have been heard together and are being decided by this common judgement.
(2.) The petitioners are non-Gazetted Police Officers in terms of regulation 398 of Police Regulations(hereinafter referred to as 'Regulations') and are working as Constable or Head Constable as the case may be. These posts admittedly, are of Group ''C' category. They constitute subordinate Police Officers of general police force in the State of Uttar Pradesh. After their selection in accordance with relevant provisions, all of them have been appointed between 17th September, 2002 to 02nd December, 2008. Earlier the procedure before appointment was that the selected candidates were used to be sent for training and thereafter, appointed on respective posts. During training, the incumbents were paid stipend and after appointment, they used to be placed in regular pay scale with all attending allowances etc.
(3.) In purported exercise of power under Section 2 of Police Act 1861 (herein after referred to as 'Act 1861'), Government Order (herein after referred to as 'G.O.') was issued on 19th May, 1998, amended vide G.O. dated 08th June, 1998 whereby, policy with regard to appointment of Constables, Sub Inspectors, Platoon Commanders etc. changed. The State Government directed that henceforth, those who are selected for appointment on the post of Constable, Sub Inspector, Platoon Commanders, shall first be appointed and paid salary & allowances etc.; admissible to the respective posts, they shall be sent for training after appointment.