JUDGMENT

V. GOPALA GOWDA, C. J.

1. Since both the writ appeals involve common facts, on consent of the learned counsel for the parties, they were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.

2. Both the appellants, namely, Biju Patnaik University of Technology (in short, BPUT) and the State Government question the correctness of the impugned order dated 17-1-2012 passed by the learned single Judge of this Court in W.P.(C) No. 15864 of 2011 holding that the action of the State Government in defying the decision of the University Grants Commission (in short, UGC ) for conferment of autonomous status to the present respondent No. 1-college is unsustainable in law and quashing the decision of the Government not to accord the status to the present respondent No. 1 college communicated to the BPUT vide its letter dated 21-5-2011 and directing both the State Government and the BPUT to take immediate steps to carry out their respective obligations under the XIth Plan Guidelines of the UGC for grant of autonomous status to the respondent No. 1-college, urging various facts and legal contentions.

3. Necessary brief facts of the case are stated hereunder for the purpose o