The first petitioner completed post graduation in Hindi and the second petitioner, post graduation in History. Both of them are visually handicapped. The first petitioner completed M.Phil course in the University of Hyderabad in the year 1997 and thereafter was admitted as a Research Scholar. The second petitioner joined M.Phil course in the History in the year 1999. Both of them applied to the second respondent and the University Grants Commission -the first respondent for grant of Junior Research Fellowship (for short "JRF"), which results in extension of financial aid to complete the Ph.D and M. Phil as the case may be. The second respondent forwarded applications to the first respondent.

2. Through their letter dated 25.4.1997, the first respondent informed the second respondent that no candidate would be eligible for award of Junior Research Fellowship unless he has cleared the National Evaluation Test (for short "NET") conducted by it. Through another communication, dated 6.12.1999, the first respondent informed the second respondent that there is no provision to extend financial benefit to the petitioners since they have not cleared the NET. The petitioners feel aggrieve