(1.) Since the subject matter of both these writ petitions and the issues involved therein are identical to each other, both are being disposed of by the following common judgment and order.
(2.) For convenience, the Writ Petition No. 16613 (M/S) of 2016 shall be treated to be the leading petition, and in the narration, which follows, facts of the said case shall be mentioned.
(3.) Heard Shri Shafiq Mirza, learned counsel for petitioners in both the writ petitions and Shri Kuldeep Pati Tripathi, learned Additional Advocate General assisted by Shri Rajesh Verma, learned Standing Counsel representing the State respondents.