ORDER

Rohit B. Deo, J. - Heard Mr. R.L. Khapre, the learned senior counsel with Mr. R.G. Kavimandan, Mr. ET. Mirza, Mr. T.S. Deshpande and Mr. R.M. Ahirrao, for petitioners and Mr. N.S. Rao, the learned AGP for respondents in WP 366/2002 & 3229/2011 & for respondents 2 to 4 in WP 496/2012 and Mr. Anand Parchure and Mr. S.B. Ahirkar, the learned counsel for respondents 5 and 6, respectively, in WP 496/2012.

2. The seminal issue involved in these petitions is whether the Minimum Competency Vocational Course ("MCVC") Instructors are justified in claiming Pay Scale at par with the Full Time Teachers in MCVC on the principle of "Equal Pay For Equal Work", which is enshrined in Articles 14 and 39 (d) of the Constitution of India. The petitions involve similar factual and legal issues, and are, therefore disposed of by this common judgment.

3. In the context of the issue which falls for determination, Writ Petition 366/2002, which is argued by the learned senior counsel Mr. R.L. Khapre, is treated as the lead petition and it would be apposite to cull out the basic facts from the said petition, to the extent necessary to determine the issue involved.

4. Petitioners 1 and 2 in Writ Petition 366