1. In this batch of writ applications, a notification issued by the Patna University dated 25.01.2012 under the signature of the Registrar of the University whereby, nine persons have been appointed as Assistant Professors in different subjects in the faculty of Fine Arts (college of Arts and Crafts), Patna under Patna University Service, is under challenge.

2. By the said notification, nine persons have been appointed as Assistant Professors in the subjects of Painting, Applied Arts, Sculpture, History of Art, Photography and Graphics. The petitioners, were also aspirants for the said posts and had applied pursuant to Advertisement No. G. Admn./01/11 inviting applications for the posts and had participated in the process of selection, but were unsuccessful. The Appointees, pursuant to the said notification have been impleaded as Respondents in different writ applications. They were noticed, pursuant to which they have appeared through their counsel and have filed counter affidavits.

3. As the dispute in the present batch of writ applications arose out of same selection process, held in the light of same advertisement, and involve common issues and almost identical question