WP(C) 5210/2007 BEFORE THE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE B.K. SHARMA Heard Mr. N. Dutta, learned Sr. Counsel assisted by Ms. B. Bhuyan, learn ed counsel for the petitioner as well as Mr. P.K. Roychoudhury, learned counsel for the respondent No. 7. I have also heard Mr. M. Dutta, learned Standing Couns el, Education Department. The matter relates to appointment of lecturer in the Education Departmen t of North Lakhimpur College. While it is the case of the petitioner that as per the laid down procedure and guidelines, she ought to have been selected by the Selection Committee, it is the case of the respondent No. 7 that the Selection B oard consistently with the laid down procedure and guidelines has selected her. It appears that the petitioner has made Annexure-P/8 representation dated 25.8.2 007. The representation was made to the Director of Higher Education, Assam, who is the authority to grant prior approval in respect of selection and appointmen t of the lecturers in colleges. Mr. Dutta, learned Standing Counsel, Education D epartment submits that the Director has not accorded prior approval till date in view of the on going litigation. In view of the above, the writ petition is disposed of providing that th e Director of Higher Education, Assam shall take on record the aforesaid represe ntation dated 25.8.2007 and shall decide the same, in the matter of granting pri or approval. It will be open for the petitioner to urge all such grounds as may be available to him. Similarly, it will also be open for the respondent No. 7 to urge all such ground as may be available to her. It will be open for the partie s to produce the copy of the writ petition and the affidavit-in-opposition filed in this proceeding and any other document relevant for the purpose. The Directo r of Higher Education, Assam after hearing both the parties and on perusal of th e materials available, shall pass a speaking order in respect of the issue invol ved. The representation shall be decided as expeditiously as possible, but at any rate not later than 31.5.2008. With the above direction, writ petition is disposed of. The parties may produce the copy of this order to the said Director for his necessary follow up action.