1. The petitioners, in these writ applications, have challenged the Govts notification dated 26.5.2009 by which Purnea Municipal Council has been reconstituted by addition of six Gram Panchayats, consequence whereof being that the population now exceeds two lakhs , it is converted into Purnea Municipal Corporation. Thus, conversion of Municipal Council to Municipal Corporation is the challenge.

2. State has filed a counter affidavit. Several interveners have intervened. Some have sought to support the petitioners and some have sought to oppose the petitioners. Interventions are allowed.

3. The moot question is whether exercise, as done by the State Government, is correct in law or not ?

4. Heard all the parties and with their consent the writ applications are being disposed of at this stage itself.

5. Mr. S.B.K.Manglam and Mr. Mahendra Prasad Gupta appearing for the petitioners in support of the writ petitions submit that the exercise, as conducted by the Government, is vitiated in fact and in law.

6. In substance, the action of the State Government purporting to be an action under Section 8 of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007 in taking six Gram Panchayats and adding it to th