- (1.) Heard learned counsel for parties. These three writ petitions are preferred by the petitioners prosecuting a common cause of action and praying for an identical relief and are thus being decided together by this single order.
(2.) The petitioners herein are all practicing advocates in the State of Rajasthan enrolled in the Bar Council of Rajasthan. They had put in ten years of practice at the relevant point of time.
(3.) The State Government vide notification dated 11.7.2013 invited applications from the aspiring advocates having put in ten years of practice in accordance with Section 10(1)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (for short, "the Act of 1986') for appointment against vacant posts of President, District Consumer Forums at Dungarpur, Jalore, Oausa, Churu, Bikaner, Jhunjhunu, Barmer, Sikar, Ajmer and Alwar Districts. Section 10(1)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 reads as under:-- "Section 10(1)(a) (a) a person who is, or has been, or is qualified to be a District Judge, who shall be its President; (b) two other members, one of whom shall b a woman, Who shall have the following qualifications, namely:-- (i) be not less than thirty-five years of age, (ii) possess a bachelor's degree from a recognised university, (iii) be persons of ability, integrity and standing, and have adequate knowledge and experience of at least ten years in dealing with problems relating to economics, law, commerce, accountancy, industry, public affairs or administration: Provided that a persons shall be disqualified for appointment as a member, if he- (a) has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence which, in the opinion of the State Government, involves moral turpitude; or (b) is an undischarged insolvent; or (c) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or (d) has been removed or dismissed from the service of the Government or a body corporate owned or controlled by the Government; or (e) has, in the opinion of the State Government, such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially the discharge by him of his functions as a member; or (f) has such other disqualifications as may be prescribed by the State Government;"-;