IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH. C.WP No. 21877 of 2010. [O&M] Date of Decision: 18th August, 2011. Sushil Kumar & Ors. Petitioners through Mr. R.K.Dadwal, Advocate Versus State of Punjab & Ors. Respondents through Mr. B.S.Chahal, DAG, Punjab. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURYA KANT. 1. Whether Reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. To be referred to the Reporters or not? 3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest? SURYA KANT, J. [ORAL] The petitioners are working as Agricultural Development Officers in the Agricultural Department, Punjab. They seek a direction for their placement/posting as Agricultural Officers. It is averred that the qualification for the posts of Agricultural Development Officer and Agricultural Officer are the same, though the later post carries some higher responsibilities. The petitioners assert themselves to be fully eligible for their placement as Agricultural Officers. They also rely upon the recommendations [Annexures P-6 and P-7] made by the Directorate for such placements. The respondents have filed their reply/affidavit clarifying that the matter is under active consideration of the Competent Authority and enactment of the statutory Service Rules for Group 'A' services is in process. It appears from the stand taken by the respondents that the placement of Agricultural Development Officers as Agricultural Officers has been kept in abeyance to await the finalization of the Service Rules, though there are a few instances where such placements have been made subject to finalization of those Rules. That being the state of affairs, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the Principal Secretary to the Government of Punjab, Agriculture Department to take necessary steps for finalization of the Punjab Agricultural Department [Group A] Service Rules and notify the same as early as possible but not later than six months. However, it shall be open to the respondents to place the Agricultural Development Officers as Agricultural Officers till the Rules are finalized on the pattern of over Departments and on the same terms and conditions, if so required in the administrative interest. Disposed of. Dasti. August 18, 2011. ( SURYA KANT ) dinesh JUDGE