JUDGMENT :

MURALI PURUSHOTHAMAN, J.

1. Since common issues arise for consideration in these writ petitions, they were heard together and are disposed of by this common judgment. For the sake of convenience, unless otherwise specifically indicated, the status of the parties as well as the exhibits referred to herein-below shall be as obtaining in W.P. (C) No. 5731/2014.

2. The Government, as per Ext.P2 order dated 15.02.1982, accorded sanction for opening new private schools in the State for the academic year 1982-1983. Permission was accordingly granted to open a new school in the aided sector in Malappuram District by name Nirmala Higher Secondary School, Erumamunda (hereinafter referred to as ‘school’ for brevity) pursuant to an application made by the Vicar, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Erumamunda.

3. Sri. Saji Thomas, the petitioner in all these writ petitions, was appointed as High School Assistant by the 2nd respondent, the manager of the school, with effect from 15.07.1994. When Higher Secondary section was sanctioned to the school, the petitioner was appointed as Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSST) with effect from 24.08.1998 and the appointment was approved by the Director o