JUDGMENT :

I have heard Shri T.J. Mahanta, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Shri D Mahanta, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners in WP(C) Nos.5576/2020, 5578/2020, 50/2021, 57/2021, 58/2021, 69/2021, 952/2021, 989/2021 and 1022/2021 and Shri K Uddin, learned counsel for the petitioner in WP(C)/159/2021. The Higher Education Department, Assam is represented by its Standing Counsel, Shri K Gogoi. Also heard Shri UK Nair, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Shri MP Sarma, learned counsel for the respondent no. 6 in WP(C)/5576/2020; Shri PD Nair, learned counsel for the respondent no. 4 in WP(C)/159/2021; Shri SP Sharma, learned counsel for the respondent nos. 3, 4 and 5 in WP(C) Nos. 5576/2020, 952/2021 and 989/2021; Shri R Goswami, learned counsel for the respondent nos. 3, 4 and 5 in WP(C)/58/2021 and respondent no. 6 in WP(C)/57/2021; Ms. L Devi, learned counsel for the respondent no. 6 in WP(C)/58/2021.

2. The issue involved pertains to a recruitment process for the post of Assistant Professor in various subjects in different Colleges across the State of Assam. The p