RATAN KUMAR GHOSH Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. D. Das, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. P. K. Deka, learned counsel for the petitioners in both the petitions. Also heard Mr. K. Gogoi, learned Standing Counsel, Higher Education (Technical Department), Assam for respondent Nos. 1 to 4 and Mr. K. N. Choudhury, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. J. Patowary for the private respondent Nos. 5,7, 9 and 10 in WP(C) No. 1721/2016.

(2.) The core issue involved in these petitions relates to requirement of possession of Ph.D. for appointment to the post of Principal in the Government Polytechnic Colleges under the Directorate of Technical Education Department, Assam and if so required, as to whence. Accordingly, these two petitions, WP(C) 348/2016 and WP(C) 1721/2016 are heard together and disposed of by this common judgement.

(3.) All the petitioners are presently serving as Heads of Department (HODs) in Bongaigaon Polytechnic, Nagaon Polytechnic, Electrical Engineering Department, Assam Engineering Institute, Chandmari, Electrical Engineering Department, Nagaon Polytechnic respectively.