(1.) Challenging the selection and promotion of respondent Nos.4 to 26 as District and Additional Sessions Judges (as against 65% quota), the petitioners, most of whom are seniors to respondent Nos.4 to 26, have filed this writ petition. The petitioners have also challenged the vires of Rules 4(b) and 5 of the Jharkhand Superior Judicial Service (Recruitment, Appointment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2001 as unconstitutional and also seek for quashing the Notification Nos. 9853 to 9875 dated 08.10.2013 promoting respondent Nos.4 to 26.
(2.) Facts in brief which led to the filing of this writ petition are as follows:-
(3.) The Jharkhand High Court issued a notification No. 102/A dated 22.03.2012 (Annexure-3) notifying 64 vacancies in the post of District and Additional Sessions Judge which are to be filled up by way of promotion from Civil Judge (Senior Division) on the basis of merit-cum-seniority (as against 65% quota) under the amended Rules 4(b) and 5(i) and (iv) of Jharkhand Superior Judicial Service (Recruitment, Appointment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2001 (for short the Rules"). Vide Reference No. 8383/Apptt. dated