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3. We may notice at the threshold the essential facts culled out from the pleadings, which are relevant for the adjudication of the controversy raised in these writ petitions.

4. The petitioners claim that they had applied in response to an advertisement issued by respondents No. 1 and 2 on 24.1.2004, for filing up 102 posts in the HCS (EB) and Allied Services. The recruitment, appointment and conditions of service of the HCS (EB) is governed by the Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) Rules, 1930, as applicable to the State of Haryana (hereinafter referred to as "the 1930 Rules"). The appointments to the service are made on the recommendations of the Commission. The selection process consisted of written examination followed by interview. The procedure for selection and appointment is contained in the Schedule attached to the statutory rules known as Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) Haryana Amendment Rules, 2002 (hereinafter referred to as "2002 Rules"). The advertisement dated 24.1.2004 and the subsequent selection process was conducted in accordance with the Schedule mentioned in Rule 9 of the aforesaid 2002 Rules. The preliminary examination was held on 23.5.2004. The main written examination was held from 1.8.2004 to 10.8.2004. The result of the main written examination was declared on 7.12.2004. Interviews were held from 15.12.2004 to 18.12.2004. The result was declared on 30.12.2004. As noticed earlier, all the petitioners were declared to have been duly selected. They were, therefore, awaiting appointment orders when the Election Commission of India (hereinafter referred to as "the Election Commission") announced the elections to the Legislative Assembly in the State of Haryana on 17.12.2004. Polling was to be conducted on 3.2.2005. The Election Commission also issued a Notification dated 17.12.2004, enforcing the Model Code of Conduct which was to be observed during the period of election. Clause 3(d) of the Model Code of Conduct provided that from the date elections are announced by the Election Commission, ministers and other authorities shall not make any ad hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc. which may have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power. Clause 4 of the Notification banned the transfer of officers/officials connected with the conduct of the elections, in a number of departments. It was further provided in Clause 4(vi) that the ban shall be effective till the completion of elections. On 23.12.2004, the Election Commission issued another letter to the Chief Secretary of the Government with the following directions: