(1.) Rule returnable forthwith. Heard finally by consent of learned counsels appearing for the parties.
(2.) Out of the eight courses run by the respondent No.4- Shri Datta Meghe Polytechnic, Wanadongari two courses were proposed to be closed down which are (1) Electronics Engineering (2) Electronics and Communication. Each of these two courses having intake capacity of 120 students. The All India Council of Technical Education, which is the Apex Body, passed an order on 19.01.2019 granting permission of closure of these courses from the academic year 2018-19 with the conditions that the institutions shall follow and adhere to the regulations, guidelines and directions issued by AICTE from time to time and the undertaking/affidavit given by the institution alongwith the application submitted by the institution on portal. The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education also granted its No objection Certificate for closure of these two courses on 27.03.2017 with the conditions that the current staff strength, re- arrangements and dues, if any, shall be settled as per existing norms and regulations on that behalf.
(3.) The contention by the petitioners is that without payment of arrears of 5th and 6th pay commission and without making arrangements for absorption of the petitioners in some other appropriate institution or payment of compensation in lieu of that, it is not permissible for the respondents to close down the courses.