(1.) All the above said 43 Criminal Petitions are clubbed and taken up together for the purpose of convenience and to avoid repetition of facts and legal implications involved in these cases, they are conveniently disposed of by this common judgment since identical questions of law have been raised in these Petitions.
(2.) Before adverting to the factual and legal matrix of these cases, I feel it is just and necessary to place on record a word of appreciation for the assistance rendered by Sri Sheelvant, learned counsel for the petitioners in the above said cases, Sri Shivraj and as well Sri Banakar, learned Addl. SPP and though not connected to these cases Sri Gundawade Advocate and standing counsel for Lokayukta for having assisted this Court with all relevant laws and as well the relevant judgments of the different High Courts.
(3.) I feel it is just and appropriate to begin this judgment with the concept of "Rule of Law". Our democratic polity under the Constitution, is based on the concept of "Rule of law" which we have adopted and given to ourselves serving as an aorta in the anatomy of our democratic system, in upholding and respecting supremacy of law in our Country.