SUNITA AGARWAL,J. - (1.) The controversy in all the connected writ petitions arises out of the Government order dated 28.7.2017 pursuant to the notification dated 17.7.2017 issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, Basic Education Department, U.P. in declaring the Academic Session 2016-17 for D.El.Ed. (BTC Course) in the State of U.P. as "Zero" Session. As common issues have been raised by the learned counsels for the parties appearing in two batches of writ petitions, all the writ petitions were heard together and are being decided by this common judgment.
(2.) Heard Shri Rahul Agarwal and Shri Pratik Chandra learned counsels for the petitioners and learned Standing Counsel appearing for the State-respondents.
(3.) Two sets of writ petitions have been filed by private colleges imparting B.Ed. and D.El.Ed. Courses having recognition and affiliation from the NCTE and the State of U.P; respectively. There is no dispute about the recognition and affiliation having been granted to the petitioners-institutions by the Competent Authorities, neither there is a dispute regarding the competence of NCTE or the State Government having power to grant recognition and affiliation; respectively, for imparting D.El.Ed. Courses in the State of U.P.;