Both these appeals involving common questions of law are taken up for bearing together and are disposed of by this common judgment. However, factual matrix of the matter may be taken from M.A.T. No. 1280 of 1999.

2. A prior permission in terms of the recruitment rules had been granted by the District Inspector of Schools in the year 1994. Allegedly the entire selection process has been completed in the year 1994 and the panel has also been sent for approval by the Managing Committee to the District Inspector of Schools in the year 1994. In terms of the recruitment rules, the District Inspector of Schools is required to pass an appropriate order either approving or disapproving the panel within the time specified therein. He failed and/or neglected to do so. Although the time so granted by reason of the recruitment rules is directory in nature, there cannot be any doubt whatsoever that all public authorities must perform their statutory authorities within a reasonable time. Reasonableness all defined under Article 14 of the Constitution of India, envisages action of the public functionaries or statutory authorities within a reasonable time. A candidate thus cannot suffer for