JUDGMENT

The petitioners in these two cases - which have been heard together taking into account the similarity of the factual pleadings made and the reliefs sought - are stated to have completed DM/MCH course from the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC). They say that when they joined the course, they executed a bond, undertaking to serve the institution for one year and that they were, at that time, designated as “Senior Residents”. They say that, however, when they completed their course, they ought to have designated as 'Assistant Professors', but that the respondents have refused to do so, taking refuge under the order of the Government dated 21.12.2021 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Government Order') - produced as Ext.P6 in WP(C) No.38205/2022 and as Ext.P12 in WP(C) No.6122/2022 - and contend that this order is improper and untenable in view of the fact that the 'Teachers Eligibility Qualifications in Medical Institutions Regulations, 2022' ('Regulations 2022' for short) had been brought into effect from 14.02.2022.

2. Sri.R.T.Pradeep and Sri.Lindons C.Davis – learned counsel appearing for the petitioners in these cases, submitted that even before “Regulations 2022” had been issu