(1.) IN this petition, Rule was granted by the Division Bench of this Court on 20th September, 1999. Thereafter, this Court was informed that the issue raised in this petition was pending before the Apex Court and, as such, the petitions, on this point, which were pending in various High Courts were adjourned sine die. Finally, Transfer Petition (Civil) No(s). 475-496 of 2003 were disposed of by the Apex Court by order dated 3rd May, 2010 and a direction was given by the Apex Court to dispose of the petitions without any undue delay. The following order was passed by the Apex Court:
(2.) BY this petition which is filed under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners are seeking the following reliefs:
(3.) BRIEF facts which are relevant for the purpose of deciding the present petition, are as under: