Subrata Talukdar, J. - (1.) This writ petition is filed on behalf of the Federation, which represents its members being the Laboratory Attendants (LAs) attached to Government Colleges (for short GCs) throughout the State of West Bengal. The Federation is a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (hereinafter for short only the Federation) and, has filed this writ petition principally praying for Equal Pay for Equal Work (EPEQ) at par with LAs in NonGovernment Colleges (for short NGCs).
(2.) In spite of filing affidavit of service, none appears to defend the State of West Bengal, the primary respondent. It also transpires from the record that affidavit in opposition was allowed to be used on behalf of the State respondents. However, when the matter was repeatedly called, none appeared to adduce any explanation for not filing the affidavit in opposition within the period stipulated.
(3.) It is also relevant to record that pursuant to the direction of this Court dated 14th of March, 2017, learned Counsel for the petitioner was directed to serve notice of the pendency of this writ petition upon learned counsel assigned for defending the interests of the State respondents. At the hearing on 4th of April, 2017, Mr. Surajit Samanta, learned Counsel for the petitioner, produced before this Court the compliance of its direction dated 14th of March, 2017.;