( 1 ) THIS is an application for a rule nisi in a petition for a writ of quo warranto. The petition was moved on January 12, 1968, when an order was made directing the petitioner to serve notice of this application on the respondents. Pursuant to this order notice has been served upon the respondents who have appeared in this application, but some of them opposed the issue of a rule nisi, while others supported the petitioner.

( 2 ) BRIEFLY stated the events that have led to this application are as follows:--After the last Genera! Election several political parties, whose members are members of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council of West Bengal, formed a coalition under the name and style of 'united Front'. The members of the United Front in the Legislative Assembly, enjoyed the support of the majority, and the Governor appointed the respondent No. 12, who was the leader of the United Front, as the Chief Minister of the State, and on the recommendation of the Chief Minister, the Governor appointed the respondent No. 1 and the respondents Nos. 13 to 29 as the other Ministers. On or about November 1, 1967, the respondent No. 1 resigned the office of