M.R. Hariharan Nair, J.

The main question that arises for consideration in these Original Petitions is whether on repatriation to the private aided college from another University where a teacher was working on deputation, he would be entitled to retain his original seniority, albeit R.8 Part II of the Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958 is inapplicable to teachers working in private colleges under the Universities.

2. The case projected in O.P. No. 11591/2000 is as follows: While working as Selection Grade Lecturer in History in the Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha (for short 'the College'), the petitioner herein was sent on deputation to the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady (for short 'the University') as Lecturer vide Ext. PI order dated 24.7.95. As per Ext. RI(b) order dated 31.7.95, he was relieved of his duties in the S.D. College. In due course, the deputation post was redesignated as 'Reader'. Pursuant to the Full Bench decision in Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit v. State (1996 (2) KLT 378), the appointment of the petitioner in the University was terminated. As per Ext. RI(f) letter, the principal of the S.D. College, Ala