M. H. BEG, C. J.:-Each of the two petitioners before us complains of denial, on similar grounds of admission into the Medical College, Simla, run by the Government of Himachal Pradesh (hereinafter referred to as the College). As questions of fact and law common to both the cases arose, they were connected and argued together, and will be disposed of by a single judgment.

2. Both petitioners, about 17 years in age at the time of applying for admission, submitted that they had complied with the conditions given in the rules contained in the prospectus of the college for the year 1970-71 so that they were entitled to be considered for admission by the Selection Board.

3. The prospectus for 1970-71 gives the objectives of the teaching programme of the college as follows:-

"1. To enable the students to prepare for general practice of medicine together with an understanding of the patient as an individual who is an integral part of the society.

2. To help develop firm foundations of scientific medicine so that students are enabled to continue self education throughout their professional career.

3. To encourage inquisitive attitude and foster a desire to advance knowledge as well as t