members by name filed a writ petition praying for issuance of an appropriate writ directing the Govt of Manipur not to retire the State Govt employees before they attain the age of sixty years by treating FR 56 as amended by Fundamental (Amendment) Rules, 1998 raising the retirement age of Govt employees from fifty-eight to sixty years to be in force in the State of Manipur.

2. The aforesaid writ petition was filed in the Principal Seat at Guwahati and was registered as CR No. 6574 of 1998. On transfer to Imphal Bench, it was renumbered as WP (C) No. 103 of 1999. By an order dated 11.2.1999 passed therein, the learned Single Judge opined that the matter involved an important legal issue requiring consideration by a larger Bench. Then, as per order of the Hon'ble Chief Justice it was listed before the Division Bench.

3. The aforesaid WP (C) No. 103 of 1999 and also WP (C) Nos 177, 221, 443, 174 of 1999 and Civil Rule No. 772 of 1998 have arisen out of similar facts and involve common question of law and hence are being disposed of by this common judgment and order.

4. The Writ Petition (C) No. 103 of 1999 was filed on