P.N. Ravindran, J.

1. This writ appeal arises from the interim order passed by the learned single Judge on 10.1.2018 in W.P.(C)No.35 of 2018. The appellants are the petitioners therein. The brief facts of the case are as follows:

2. The writ petitioners, 11 in number, are members of the Board of Directors of the Kannur District Police Co-operative Society Ltd. No. 1384, Kannur (hereinafter referred to as “the society” for short). The first petitioner is its Vice President. As per the bye-laws of the society, the District Police Chief is ex-officio the President of the society. The petitioners were elected to the managing committee of the society in the elections held on 5.10.2013. They assumed charge only on 28.11.2013 in view of the interim orders passed by this court in certain writ petitions which were then pending in this court regarding the validity of the voters list. The term of office of the managing committee which was elected on 5.10.2013 would have in the normal course come to an end only on 4.10.2018.

3. Long after the managing committee of the society assumed office, the Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Kannur issued a notice dated 15.12.2016 under sec