(1.) Before we state the facts in detail, a birds eye view of the controversy is set out for convenience, considering that a large number of petitions need to be dealt with involving common issues. We are dealing with two groups pitted against each other espousing their respective cause. These writ petitions are clubbed together as common questions are involved. One group pertains to the writ petitions filed by the candidates selected to the posts reserved for Economically Weaker Ss. (hereafter 'EWS' for short) category, and the other group of writ petitions is filed by the candidates selected/aspiring to the posts reserved for Socially and Educationally Backward Class (hereafter "SEBC" for short) in respect of the recruitment process initiated by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (hereafter 'MSEDCL' for short) pursuant to the advertisement bearing No.MSEDCL-04/2019 (hereafter 'the advertisement' for short), Advertisement No. 05/2019, and Advertisement No. 06/2019 for filling up the vacancies of 'Electricity Assistant', 'Upkendra Sahayyak', and 'Diploma Engineer - Trainee (Distribution)' respectively.
(2.) The cause of EWS category candidates is espoused by Shri Deshmukh, senior advocate alongwith the other advocates appearing in the connected petitions.
(3.) Espousing the cause of the candidates belonging to SEBC category and in support of the impugned G.Rs.,.00 we have heard Mr. V. A. Thorat, special counsel along with senior advocate Mr. Mihir Desai appearing on behalf of the State. Mr. A. Y. Sakhare, learned senior advocate appeared on behalf of the MSEDCL supporting the stand of the State Government advancing the cause of SEBC candidates. We have also heard learned advocates representing SEBC candidates in the concerned writ petitions.