JUDGMENT ( PER : AJIT B. KADETHANKAR, J. )

(1) Heard Mr. Aditya Raktade, learned Counsel for the Petitioners, Mr. S. B. Kalel, learned Assistant Government Pleader for the Respondent Nos. 1 and 2-State, and Mr. Kedar Lad for the Respondent Nos. 3 and 4-Zilla Parishad, Kolhapur. By consent of the parties the Petition is being disposed of inally at the admission stage.

(2) SUBJECT MATTER:

(2.1) The Petitioners are teachers working in the primary schools under the services of the Respondent No. 3-The Chief Executive Oicer, Kolhapur Zilla Parishad. All the Petitioners hold the post of Kendra Pramukh [Cluster Head]. The Petitioners challenge their transfers from one Taluka to another Taluka in the Kolhapur District.

(3) FACTS IN BRIEF:

(3.1) By an administrative order dated 22^nd May 2025 issued by Respondent No. 3, (i) Petitioner No. 1 was transferred from Chandgad Taluka to Gadhinglaj Taluka; (ii) Petitioner No. 2 was transferred from Shahuwadi Taluka to Hatkanangale Taluka; and (iii) Petitioner No. 3 was transferred from Chandgad Taluka to Shahuwadi Taluka.

(3.2) These transfers are stated to have been efected to meet administrative exigencies. The Petitioners however contend that the post