ORDER : H.K. Sema, J. - Leave granted. 2. The counsel on both the sides submit that the case in hand is squarely covered by a decision of this Court in State of Punjab v. Lakhwinder Singh, (2007) 2 SCC 502 . In view thereof, the appeals are allowed and the judgment and orders under challenge are set aside. 3. The matters are remanded back to the High Court for fresh consideration of the writ petitions. It is made clear that this Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the claims made by the employees concerned. Appeal allowed.