MANIK LAL BHUNIA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Whether motor drivers belonging to the same grade and also similarly situated and circumstances otherwise, can be classified into two different groups on the basis of their general educational qualification for promotional purposes to the next higher grade, is the sole point for consideration in the instant two writ petitions, which were heard analogously.

(2.) The petitioners in the instant writ petitions, who are altogether 12 in number, are all drivers of the Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited, Haldia Division, which is an authority within the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution of India.

(3.) At the time of appointment of the petitioner the prescribed qualification for recruitment of drivers in Grade III, which is the initial grade, was knowledge of reading and writing English and Bengali and possession of a valid driving licence with minimum experience of 5 years.