(1.) The petitioners have prayed for issuance of a writ in the nalure of mandamus directing the respondents to issue roll numbers/interview letters and to interview them for the posts of Radiographer.
(2.) Thirty-one posts of Radiographer for appointment with the Director, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, Director, Animal Husbandry, Punjab and Director, Research and Medical Education, Punjab, were advertised in the Tribune dated 15.9.1997 by the Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab (hereinafter referred to as 'the Board'). The advertisement in this regard is Annexure P-24 to the writ petition. The qualifications prescribed for the said posts were Matric with Physics/Chemistry from a recognised University/Board and two years' Radiographer Course from any recognised Institution. The last date for receipt of the applications in the Board's office was fixed as 14.10.1997. The petitioners had passed the Matricula-tion examination with the subjects of Science and Punjabi and completed para-medical two years' vocational course in X-Ray Technician (Radiographer) from the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 10, Chandigarh, affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. Thereafter, petitioners Nos. I and 2 also underwent one year Apprenticeship training from Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, and petitioner No. 3 from Government Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh. They have also undergone 45 days job training Course. In additions, they have participated is State Level Vocational Competition held in X-Ray Technology during Vocational Competition Week. They applied for the posts of Radiographer well in time and attached true copies of all their requisite certificates along with the applications.
(3.) A notice with regard to interviews for the said posts scheduled from 27.4.1999 to 29.4.1999 was issued by the Board in 'the Tribune' dated 7.4.1999. By that time, the petitioners did not receive any communication from the Board with regard to the acceptance/rejection of their applications. It was specified in the notice dated 7.4.1999 that the candidates who had not received their roll numbers/call numbers for the interview, should personally visit the office of the Board three days in advance to collect their interview letters. Accordingly, the petitioners approached the Board's office to collect their roll numbers/interview letters, but were verbally informed that they were not eligible for the post of Radiographer. Dhamandeep Singh (petitioner No. 1) submitted representation dated 27.4.1999 (Annexure P-25) to the Secretary of the Board for issuance' of roll number, but without any result. The grievance of the petitioners is that despite the fact that they fulfil all the eligibility conditions required for the post of Radiographer, they have not been called for interview by the Board for the said post. Forced by these circumstances, they have invoked the jurisdiction of this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India terming the action of the respondents as mala fide, illegal, unjust, arbitrary and against the principles of natural justice.