(1.) Heard Shri H.S. Paonam, the learned Senior Advocate assisted by Shri N. Bipin, Advocate, the learned counsels appearing for the petitioners; Shri M. Devananda, the learned counsel appearing for the respondent Nos. 1 and 3 and Shri Kh. Athouba, the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondent No. 2.
(2.) The instant writ petitions have been filed by the petitioners praying for issuing a direction to the respondents to consider the case of the petitioners by holding a special DPC for regular appointment to the post of LDC treating them as in-service candidates by relaxing their upper age and since the issues involved herein are similar, both the petitions are being considered and disposed of by this common judgment and order.
(3.) According to the petitioners, pursuant to a letter dated 23.03.2011 of the Principal Secretary (Vety.), Government of Manipur addressed to the Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Government of Manipur informing the approval being conveyed by the State Government for engagement of employees in different posts including the LDC against the regular vacancy in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Government of Manipur on contract basis, a notification was issued on 23.11.2011 by the Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Government of Manipur through the Employment Exchanges inviting applications from amongst the eligible candidates for appointment to the post of LDC on contract basis for a period of one year, wherein it is stated that the Written Test, Typing Test and Interview / Viva-Voce be held on 10.12.11, 12.12.11 and 14.12.11 respectively. After the written test having been held, the Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services issued a Notification dated 16.12.2011 publishing a list of the selected candidates for appearing in the Computer / Typing Test and Personal Interview to be conducted as per schedule given therein. Since the petitioners appeared in the Computer / Typing Test and Personal Interview and having been recommended by the DPC, they along with others were initially appointed to the post of LDC on contract basis for a period of one year vide order dated 12.3.2012 issued by the Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Government of Manipur and pursuant thereto, the petitioners were given their places of posting in the said order.