1. Heard the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioners and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.

2. In all these Writ Petitions common issues are involved therefore, they are taken together for common order.

3. In W.P. Nos. 966 to 969 of 2005, the petitioners are the Village Panchayat Assistants working in Ilamanur Village Panchayat, Thirumogur Village Panchayat, Arumbanur Village Panchayat, Melarnadai Village Panchayat respectively, under the control of Madurai East Panchayat Union.

4. In W.P. Nos. 876 to 879 of 2005, the petitioners are the Village Panchayat Assistants in Nagamalai Pudukkottai Village Panchayat, Kodimarigalarn Village Panchayat, Karadipatti Village Panchayat, Vadapalanji Village Panchayat respectively, under the control of Thiruparankundram. Panchayat Union.

5. In W.P. No. 643 of 2006, the petitioner is the Village Panchayat Assistant in Nilaiyoor. 1st Bit Village Panchayat under the control of Thiruparankundram Panchayat Union.

6. In all these cases, the first respondent being the Collector is Inspector' of Panchayats as per the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994. In these cases, the petitioners wh