JUDGMENT :

1. Once again, an attempt is made by the petitioners in these cases to obtain a declaration that the age of superannuation for members of Faculty of various affiliated Colleges in Kerala in the Private Sector, is 62 years and not 56, as is presently stipulated, relying upon the provisions of the applicable Regulations of the University Grants Commission (“UGC” for short).

2. Before I proceed to detail the essential facts involved in these cases, I must record that most of the issues - within the gamut of the contentions as reflected in the pleadings - have been considered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Dr.J. Vijayan & others vs. The State of Kerala & others (Civil Appeal No. 5037 of 2022 arising out of S.L.P.(C) No. 24287 of 2018). I will state presently the importance of this judgment, after the essential facts are noticed.

3. Among the two writ petitions above - which have been heard together - W.P.(C).No.17769 of 2022 has been filed by an Association of Principals of Colleges in Kerala, along with its President; while W.P.(C).No.17442 of 2022 has been filed by certain individuals, who are working as Professors and Principals in Private Colleges, affiliated the variou