JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. M.K. Choudhury, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. M. Sarma, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. K.N. Choudhury, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. P.J. Phukan, learned counsel for the respondents No.1, 2 and 3 and Mr. A. Chamuah, learned counsel for the respondent No.7.

2. Challenge in the present writ petition is an order No. KKHSOU/PF/08/2021/68/2369 dated 19.04.2023 passed by the Registrar of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (herein after referred to as KKHSOU) whereby, the service of the petitioner is terminated with immediate effect as Professor in the Bhupen Hazarika School of Mass Communication, KKHSOU in pursuant to the decision of 71st meeting of the Board of Management, KKKHSOU on the basis of the report submitted by the committee constituted for examination of the selection procedure and eligibility of the petitioner.

3. The petitioner was employed with the Northeastern Frontier Railways for twenty-three (23) years as a Senior Publicity Inspector, Public Relations Officers before having opted for VRS.

4. Vide advertisement dated 14.08.2020, the KKHSOU issued an advertisement No. R2/2020 for filling up of various post o