B.H. MARLAPALLE, J.:---All these petitions have assailed the legality, validity and propriety of the order dated 29th of November, 2000 passed by the Minister of State for Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra under section 313(1)(a), (b), (c) and (e) of the Maharashtra Municipalities, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965 (for short, Municipalities Act). By the said order the Municipal Council at Dhule came to be superseded by the Government. The Writ Petition No. 4901 of 2000 has been filed by two sitting Councillors and Writ Petition No. 5142 of 2000 has been filed by the three sitting Councillors, whereas Writ Petition No. 5011 of 2000 has been filed by the President of the Municipal Council, Dhule. By our interim order dated 1st December, 2000 the impugned order was stayed and, therefore, the elected body continued to be in office, including its President during the pendency of these petitions.

2. On behalf of the State Government the Joint Secretary from the Urban Development Department of the State Government has filed an affidavit in reply in Writ Petition No. 5011 of 2000 to which the petitioner has filed his rejoinder. The said reply by the Go