1. All these writ petitions have been taken up together in view of the order passed by this Court on 27/01/1998, keeping in view that a common point of law has been raised by all these petitioners in the light of Section 16(1)(c) of the E.P.F. and M.P.Act, 1952. For the sake of clarity, the order dated 27/01/1998 reads as under :

“Leave to amend.

In all these petitions a common point of law has been urged by the learned counsel for the petitioners in as much as in view of the provisions of Section 16(1)(c) of the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. The said act is not applicable to the employees of private schools as they are entitled for pension etc. Under the M.E.P.S.Act, 1977 and the Rules thereunder.

Notice before admission returnable on 29/01/1998.

Hamdast granted.

Mr.Chillarge, learned A.G.P. waives service for respondent No.1.

The Deputy Director of Education Aurangabad, is directed to depute an Officer from his office to remain present before this Court on 29.1.1998 to clarify if the above contentions raised by the learned counsel for the petitioners are supported by the State Government or otherwise.

Mr.R.G.Deo, learned counsel waives servi