A.M. Khanwilkar, J.

1. Rule. Counsel appearing for the respective respondents waive notice. By consent, Rule made returnable forthwith and heard finally.

2. The petitioners, by this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, have prayed for order or direction restraining Respondent No.1 from holding the selection process for the post of Director by excluding them in the said selection process.

3. The petitioners are employed as professors in the respondent Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute. Respondent No.1 Institute is a premier Engineering College in the State of Maharashtra. The Institute is affiliated to the University of Mumbai. It has been conferred autonomous status for a period from 2011-2012 to 2016-2017 in accordance with the provisions contained in the Statutes 593 to 642 regarding grant of autonomous status to Affiliated College / Recognised Institution / University Department / University Institution. This is reinforced from the communication dated 20th August, 2011 issued under the signature of In-Charge Registrar of University of Mumbai bearing No.Aff./Recog.-I/2889 of 2011. Respondent No.1 Institute is a fully aided institution