Hrishikesh Roy, J.

1. Heard Mr. S. Choudhury, Ms. D. Borgohain, Mr. A.M. Buzarbaruah, Ms. H. Das, Mr. J. Payeng, Dr. B. Ahmed and Mr. N. Baruah, who are representing the petitioners in these cases. The authorities of the Education Department are represented by Mr. A. Deka, Standing Counsel. The UGC is represented by Mr. A. Chamuah, Standing Counsel. Mr. A.R. Bhuiyan appears for the C.M.J. University, Meghalaya. Some of the private respondents whose entitlement to function as Headmaster/Assistant Head-master on the basis of B.Ed. Degrees obtained by them from non-recognized universities/institutions, are being represented by advocates Mr. A.R. Tahbildar, Mr. M. Das and Mr. J. Saikia. The issue that is required to be answered is whether B.Ed. Degree obtained from universities/institutions like Bharatiya Siksha Parishad, U.P., C.M.J. University, Meghalaya, Naba Bharat Shiksha Parishad, Orissa etc. have any legal validity for considering promotion to the post of Headmaster/Assistant Headmaster. The concerned universities/institutions which awarded the B.Ed. Degree through Distance Mode were not accorded any approval by the National Council for Teachers Education (NOTE) and accor