AILONG PHOM Vs. STATE OF NAGALAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India challenging 3 orders issued by the Government respondents viz; (i) Notification dated 20.12.2011, particularly, paragraph-6 (III) issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife, Government of Nagaland, wherein, it was stated that private respondent Nos. 4, 5 and 6 will be above the direct recruit Rangers appointed in the year 2011, in seniority. (ii) Memorandum dated 21.3.2014, issued by the same Department, wherein, the private respondents were placed above the petitioners in the tentative seniority list of the Forest Rangers of the State, and (iii) the letter dated 4.7.2014, of the Deputy Secre tary to the Government of Nagaland addressed to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Nagaland, wherein, it was stated that placement of the private respondent Nos. 4, 5 and 6 above the direct recruits of 2011, was done as per the general rules on inter-se seniority of promotees and direct recruits in a calendar year and as the vacancies to which the private respondents were promoted already existed prior to the requisition of the post for direct recruitment.

(2.) Heard Mr. Wati Jamir, learned counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Ms. V. Suo-khrie, learned Addl. Sr. Government Advocate on behalf the State respondents and Mr. Tongpok Pongener, learned counsel on behalf of the private respondent Nos. 4, 5 and 6.

(3.) The facts of the case which has emerged from the submissions of the learned counsels as well as from the pleadings of the parties are as follows:-