ORDER :

Writ Petition (C) No. 259 of 1994:

1. Learned counsel for the petitioners states that, in view of the subsequent events, this writ petition has become infructuous, which is, accordingly, dismissed.

2. This writ petition, basically, has become infructuous because the petitioners have since retired. However, this Order of dismissal of the writ petition would not result in denial of pensionary benefits to the petitioners herein.

Writ Petition (C) Nos. 454/1994, 473/1994, 238/1995 and 35/1996:

3. The short question which arises for determination in these writ petitions is, whether the quantum of reservation provided for in Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes [Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and of Appointments to the Posts in the Services under the State] Act, 1993, is valid? The impugned Act received the Presidential assent on 19th July, 1994.

4. Subsequent to the filing of the above writ petitions, Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution have been amended vide Constitution [Ninety-third Amendment] Act, 2005, and Constitution [Eighty-first Amendment] Act, 2000, respectively, which Amendment Acts have been the subject- matter of subseque