ORDER In view of the majority judgment, C.A.Nos. 460/97 and 461/1997 are allowed and the judgment and order dated 11.12.1996 of the High Court is set aside; C.A.Nos. 1727/99 and 4602/1999 are dismissed and the judgment and order dated 1.2.1999 of the High Court is affirmed; C.A.Nos. 4685/97 is allowed and the judgment and order dated 4.2.1997 of the High Court is set aside and the writ petition is remitted back to the High Court for fresh consideration in accordance with law; C.A.No. 6065/2001 & SLP (C) 1363/2002 : Leave granted in SLP (C) No. 1363/2002. The appeals are allowed; C.A.Nos. 8117-22/2001 and SLP (C) 16851/2001 : Leave granted in SLP (C) No. 16851/2001. The appeals are allowed; TC Nos. 21 & 22/2003 : These transferred cases are disposed of; SLP (C) Nos. 948/2003 : The special leave petition is dismissed; I.A.No. 3/2002 In CA 460/1997 is dismissed; C.A.No. 932/2001 is disposed of; and C.A.Nos. 1639-45/99, CP No. 63/2002 in CA No. 932/2001 and IA Nos. 13-14 in CA Nos. 3512-3513/97 : List before an appropriate Bench. Appeals disposed of accordingly. **************** 00027