This ten petitions have been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India challenging the legality and validity of the decision of the State Government in the Education Department for amalgamation of different categories of schools located in the same campus and merger of similarly situated schools in nearby areas.

2. Since the subject matter of all the writ petitions are inter-related, those were heard together and are being disposed of by this common order.

3. Heard Mr. R C Saikia, Mr. P K Deka and Mr. R Islam, learned Counsel for the petitioners and Mr. D Saikia, learned Senior Additional Advocate General, Assam assisted by Mr. A Deka and Mr. N. Sarma, learned Standing Counsel, Education Department for the respondents.

4. A brief narration of facts and events would be in order to place the lis involved in the present litigation in the correct perspective for its proper adjudication.

5. An office memorandum (OM) dated 12-01-2005 was issued by the State Government in the Education Department instructing all Inspectors of Schools to finalize amalgamation proposals of ME Schools with High Schools situated within the same campus. This came to be challenged befor