Whether the existing Headload Workers in an area can claim a right to be heard, in the matter of consideration of an application for registration of another, as a Headload Worker?

This is the question that arises for determination in this writ petition.

2. The brief facts of the case are the following:

The petitioners have filed this writ petition complaining of the delay in granting registration to them under the Kerala Headload Workers Act, 1978 ('the Act' for short). According to the petitioners they have submitted Ext.P1 to P25 applications for getting themselves registered as Headload Workers under Rule 26A of the Kerala Headload Workers Rules 1981 ('the Rules' for short). The petitioners seek the issue of appropriate directions for the consideration of their applications expeditiously.

3. As per order in I.A.No.10125/2012 additional respondents 2 to 4 have got themselves impleaded in the writ petition. Additional respondents 2 to 4 are existing Headload Workers of the area. They have already obtained registration under the Act and Rules. They oppose the grant of registration to the petitioners. According to them, they are also entitled to be heard before final order