In this group of petitions, learned advocate for the petitioners has placed on record the decision of this Court in Special Civil Application No. 14027 of 2011 dated 20/1/2012, and submitted that the present group of petitions are similar in all respects, except change in parties. The directions issued by this Court in Special Civil Application No. 14027 of 2011 may also be issued in the present group of petitions in the interest of justice.
This group of petitions was taken out in out of turn. Shri Abhishek Mehta for Respondent nos. 3, 4 & 5 could not controvert the statement in any manner. Therefore, this Court is of the view that the directions issued in earlier petition could be issued in this group of petitions also, and it is not likely to be in any manner prejudicial to the Union of India. Accordingly, this group of petitions are disposed of with following directions.
(a) The communication dated 18/8/2011 and dated 30/8/2011 are quashed and set aside. The competent authority is hereby directed to decide the claim applications of the petitioners in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible, and preferably within six months from the date of receipt of writ of this order.
(b) The other direction as contained in the earlier matter of which judgment is placed on record with regard to appointment of competent authority, is not required to be issued at this stage, as the competent authority is already appointed.
With the above directions, this group of petitions are disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Direct service permitted.
Registry to maintain copy of this order in rest of the petitions.
/vgn [ S.R.
BRAHMBHATT, J ]