“C.R.”

Ramachandran Nair, J.

The appellants are members of the teaching faculty in the Homeo Medical Colleges in the State. Their grievance is that the retirement age of teachers in the Medial Colleges teaching Modern Medicine (Allopathy) under the Director of Medical Education is increased from 55 to 60 through Ext.P3 order produced in the W.P.(C). Even though the order is challenged on ground of discrimination, relief sought is for equal treatment and for direction to the State to increase the retirement age of teaching staff in the Homeo Medical Colleges also. The learned Single Judge having declined the relief, the appellants have filed this Writ Appeal. We have heard Senior counsel Sri. K.R.B. Kaimal appearing for the appellants and Government Pleader for respondents.

2. Government Pleader defended Ext.P3 stating that there is scarcity of qualified people for appointment as teachers in Modern Medicine in the Medical Colleges and if retirement age is not increased by five years, there will be shortage of teaching staff leading to even de-recognition of Medical Colleges under the control of the Government. The appellants are not able to refute the contention of the re