OP(KAT) Nos. 155/2020, 163/2020 & 161/2021 (Kerala Public Service Commission v. respondents)

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM** **WEDNESDAY, THE 3[RD] DAY OF NOVEMBER 2021 / 12TH KARTHIKA, 1943** ## **OP(KAT) NO. 155 OF 2020** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN OA 2176/2018 OF KERALA** **ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,** ## **THIRUVANANTHAPURAM** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - **1 KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA - 695 004.** - **2 THE DISTRICT OFFICER KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, DISTRICT OFFICE, THRISSUR, PIN - 680020, KERALA.** **BY ADV SHRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 SHEJEENA P. A. AGED 37 YEARS** - **D/O. ABDUL HAMEED, PUTHIYAVEETIL, KIZHAKKETHIL HOUSE, VADANAPPALLY, PIN - 680 614, KERALA.** - **2 NUSRATHUNNEESA V. P. W/O. M I ABDUL JALEEL, MADATHILKUTHU HOUSE, NAROKKAVU, VAZHIKKADAVU, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT, PIN - 679331.** - **3 VAHEEDA E. P. AGED 41 YEARS** - **W/O. SHOUKATH, THONDAMPIRI HOUSE, THIRUVATHRA P. O., THRISSUR, PIN - 680516, KERALA.** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 2 :- - **4 SHAHIDA K. P. AGED 41 YEARS W/O. ABDUL RASHEED T. K., THAYAMKULAM HOUSE, KORATTIKKARA P. O., KADAVALLUR, THRISSUR, PIN 680543, KERALA.** - **5 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001, KERALA.** - **6 DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION 2ND FLOOR, CIVIL STATION, AYANTHOL, THRISSUR, PIN - 680003, KERALA.** **BY ADVS. BIJU MARTIN** **GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI.B.UNNIKRISHNA KAIMAL** **THIS OP KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 03.11.2021, ALONG WITH OP(KAT).161/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 3 :- ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM WEDNESDAY, THE 3[RD] DAY OF NOVEMBER 2021 / 12TH KARTHIKA,** ## **1943** ## **OP(KAT) NO. 163 OF 2020** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN OA (EKM) 2252/2018 OF KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,** ## **THIRUVANANTHAPURAM** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - **1 THE KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. KERALA 695 004** - **2 THE DISTRICT OFFICER, KERALA PUBLIC SRVICE COMMISSION, DISTRICT OFFICE, THRISSUR 680 020, KERALA** **BY ADV SRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 VAHEEDA .E.P AGED 41 YEARS W/O. SHOUKATH, THONDAMPIRI HOUSE, THIRUVATHRA P.O, THRISSUR, KERALA 680 516** - **2 SHAHIIDA K.P AGED 41 YEARS W/O. ABDUL RASHEED T.K, THAYAM KULAM HOUSE, KORATTIKKARA P.O, KADAVALLUR, THRISSUR 680 543,KERALA** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 4 :- - **3 ABDUL JALEEL M.I, AGED 38 YEARS S/O. M.K IBRAHIM, MADATHIKUTHU HOUSE, NAROKKAVU, PALEMAD P.O, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT 679 331, KERALA** - **4 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 001, KERALA** **BY ADVS.** **SRI.BIJU MARTIN GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI.B.UNNIKRISHNAN** **THIS OP KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 03.11.2021, ALONG WITH OP(KAT).161/2021 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 5 :- ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIJU ABRAHAM** **WEDNESDAY, THE 3[RD] DAY OF NOVEMBER 2021 / 12TH KARTHIKA,** ## **1943** ## **OP(KAT) NO. 161 OF 2021** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN OA (EKM) 2390/2018 OF KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,** ## **THIRUVANANTHAPURAM** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - **1 THE KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, THULASI HILLS, PATTOM PALACE P. O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA - 695004.** **2 THE DISTRICT OFFICER KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, DISTRICT OFFICE, CIVIL STATION, MALAPPURAM, KERALA - 676505.** **3 THE DISTRICT OFFICER KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, DISTRICT OFFICE, KASARAGOD - 671121, KERALA.** **BY ADV SHRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 SUBAIR CHEROOTH AGED 35 YEARS S/O. HASSAN KUTTY, RESIDING AT ARANGADU MANNILTHODI HOUSE, HOUSE NO.32, P. O. KAVANOOR, MALAPPURAM, KERALA - 673639.** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 6 :- **2 THE STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT ANNEXE II, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001, KERALA. SRI.V.A.MUHAMMED FOR R1.** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** ## **SRI.B.UNNIKRISHNA KAIMAL, SR.GOVT.PLEADER** **THIS OP KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 03.11.2021, ALONG WITH OP(KAT).155/2020, 163/2020, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 7 :- ## **ALEXANDER THOMAS & VIJU ABRAHAM, JJ.** ================== O.P(KAT) No. 155/2020 _[Arising out of the impugned final order dated 29.3.2019 in O.A.(EKM) No.2176/2018 on the file of KAT, EKM]_ O.P(KAT) No. 163/2020 _[Arising out of the impugned final order dated 8.4.2019 in OA(EKM) No.2252/2018 on the file of the KAT, EKM]_ & O.P(KAT) No. 161/2021 _[Arising out of the impugned final order dated 8.4.2021 in OA(EKM) No.2390/2018 on the file of the KAT, EKM]_ ================== Dated this the 3[rd] day of November, 2021 **J U D G M E N T** ## **ALEXANDER THOMAS, J.** Since common issues arise for consideration in these matters, these Original Petitions are disposed of on the basis of this common judgment. For the purpose of convenience, O.P(KAT) No. 155/2020 is taken as the lead case. 2. O.P(KAT).No.155/2020, O.P(KAT).No.166/2021 and O.P(KAT).No. 161/2021 have arisen out of the final orders rendered by the Tribunal in O.A.(EKM) No.2176/2018, O.A.(EKM) 2252/2018 and O.A.(EKM) No.2390/2018 respectively. 3. Being aggrieved by the impugned final verdicts rendered by the Tribunal in these cases, the Kerala Public Service Commission and its district officers concerned have preferred the instant Original Petitions before this Court. The contesting respondents in these Original Petitions are the respective original applicants before the OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 8 :- ## Tribunal. 4. The applicants in O.A.(EKM).No.2176/2018 had responded to the selection notification dated 31.12.2013 issued by the Kerala Public Service Commission for selection to the post of Full Time Junior Language Teacher (Arabic), UPS, category No.532/2013 (Anx. A-1 therein), in Thrissur District, for which the last date for submission of application was 5.2.2014. It appears that their applications were rejected by the Public Service Commission (“PSC” for short) on the ground that they do not have the requisite qualification of BA degree with Islamic History as the main subject. The case of the applicants is that though they do not have passed BA degree in Islamic History as the sole main subject, they have passed BA Arabic and Islamic History (double main degree) awarded by the Calicut University and that the rejection of their candidature was legally wrong. Interim order dated 27.11.2018 was rendered by the Tribunal in O.A.(EKM) No.2176/ 2018, whereby interim direction was issued to permit those applicants to participate in the interview on the day concerned provisionally and subject to the result of the OA with the further rider that participation in the interview by itself will not enure any right. The sheet anchor of the applicants' case is to OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 9 :- the effect that though they do not have BA degree in Islamic History as sole main subject, they have in fact secured BA degree, wherein Arabic and Islamic History are the double main subjects awarded by the University of Calicut as evident from Anx. A-3, etc. and that the said double main degree acquired by them is before the last date and further that the competent authority of the State Government has taken a decision as per Anx.A-13 therein, viz, G.O.(Ms).No. 8/2019/ G.Edn dated 14.1.2019, whereby the competent authority of the State Government in the General Education Department has _inter alia_ ordered therein that the BA degree in Arabic and Islamic History (Double main subjects) awarded by the Calicut University, is an acceptable qualification for appointment to the post of Arabic teachers in the LP school section and UP school sections, etc. Hence they contended that in view of the abovesaid decision taken by the Government as per the abovesaid G.O dated 14.1.2019, the qualification acquired by them has to be treated as sufficient qualification for appointment to the post Arabic teachers in LP and UP schools. The Tribunal took note of the fact that by then, Anx.A-12 ranked list date 22.2.2019 was published by the Public Service Commission for selection to the post of Full Time Junior Language OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 10 :- Teacher (Arabic) UPS (Category No.532/213) in pursuance of the abovesaid Anx.A-1 selection notification dated 31.12.2013. The Tribunal after hearing both sides had ordered that, in the light of the issuance of the GO dated 14.1.2019, there will be a direction to the Kerala Public Service Commission to consider the candidatures of the applicants in that O.P. in the light of the said GO for inclusion of their names in the abovesaid ranked list subject to their satisfying other eligibility conditions and appropriate follow up actions will be taken for inclusion in the ranked list to be finalized within a period of six weeks, etc. 5. The applicants in O.A.(EKM) No.2252/2018 had applied for selection to the post of Junior Part Time Language Teacher (Arabic), LPS (category No.230/16) in the Education Department, Thrissur district, in pursuance of Anx.A-1 therein viz., selection notification dated 30.8.2016, the last date for submission of application of which was 5.10.2016. Their applications have also been rejected on the ground that their BA degree in Arabic and Islamic History (double main subjects) awarded by the Calicut University is not acceptable as per the selection notification. These applicants were also provisionally allowed to participate in the interview pursuant to OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 11 :- the interim direction issued by the Tribunal, based on the abovesaid G.O.(Ms).No. 8/2019/G.Edn dated 14.1.2019. The Tribunal has issued similar directions in that O.A. as well. 6. The applicant in O.A.(EKM) No 2390/2018 has applied in pursuance of the selection notification issued by the Kerala Public Service Commission for the post of Part Time Junior Teacher (Arabic), LPS, Category No.230/2016 and to the post of Full Time Junior Language Teacher (Arabic) LPS (category No.229/2016 in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, etc. In this case also, the applications of the abovesaid applicant have been rejected on the ground that his claimed qualification of BA degree Arabic and Islamic History (double main subjects) offered by the Calicut University is not the prescribed qualification, etc. This applicant also claimed that by certificates as per Anx. A-4 produced therein, Calicut University has also _inter alia_ certified that BA Degree in Arabic and Islamic History (double main subjects) of Calicut University is equivalent to BA degree in Arabic awarded by the said University. In this case also, the Tribunal, by placing reliance on the abovesaid GO dated 14.1.2019, has directed the consideration of the candidature of that applicant for the abovesaid posts in question and also inclusion in the rank list OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 12 :- concerned based on his performance in the selection process, etc. It is abovesaid verdicts of the Tribunal in the above three OAs that is under challenge in these three Original Petitions. 7. Heard Sri.P.C.Sasidharan, learned Standing Counsel for the Kerala Public Service Commission appearing for the petitioners in these Original Petitions, Sri.B.Unnikrishna Kaimal, learned Senior Govt. Pleader appearing for the official respondents in the above Original Petitions, Sri.Biju Martin, learned counsel appearing for R-1 to R-4 in O.P(KAT) No.155/2020 & R-1 to R-3 in O.P(KAT) No. 163/2020 and Sri.V.A.Muhammed, learned counsel appearing for R- 1 in O.P(KAT) No. 161/2021. 8. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the Kerala Public Service Commission has contended that the prescribed qualification in this case is BA degree in Arabic as sole subject awarded by a recognized University and that BA degree with double main subjects has not been prescribed as an acceptable qualification as per the selection notifications in these cases as well as in terms of the rules concerned. Further that the last dates of submission of the applications as per the respective selection notifications covered in these three Original Petitions were 5.2.2014 [in O.P(KAT) No. OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 13 :- 155/2020], 5.10.2016 [in O.P(KAT) No. 161/2021] and 5.10.2016 in the third case, etc. Whereas the Government order claimed by them viz., G.O.(Ms).No.8/2019/G.Edn. dated 14.1.2019 has been issued much after the last date prescribed for submission of the applications as per the respective selection notifications concerned. Further that none of the abovesaid applicants has a case that they possessed any of the other specifically enumerated alternative qualifications prescribed in the selection notifications concerned, as on the respective last dates of submission of the applications, etc. That going by the prescriptions in the selection notifications and in the rules, the candidate concerned should have secured any one of the specifically prescribed qualifications mentioned in the selection notification on or before the last date for submission of the applications, etc. That a reading of the selection notifications and norms would make it clear like the day light that BA degree in Arabic conferred or recognized by the University of Kerala is one of the qualifications. The other alternative qualifications prescribed in the selection notification are those other than degree in Arabic and further that none of the applicants herein has a case that they have secured any one of the alternative qualifications specifically prescribed in the selection OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 14 :- notifications concerned. Further that BA degree in Arabic and Islamic History, double main subjects awarded by the University of Calicut, is not one of the specifically enumerated acceptable qualifications as per the selection notification concerned. Further that since the abovesaid G.O. has been issued on 14.1.2019 much after the last date for submission of the applications, the same at best can be taken into account only for selection notifications issued by the Kerala Public Service Commission on or after 14.1.2019 (date of issuance of that GO). It is also pointed out by the PSC that it appears that the rules may not have be amended, etc. 9. The learned Standing Counsel for the PSC has placed various decisions of the Apex Court as in _**District Collector v. M.Tripura Sundari Devi**_ [(1990) 3 SCC 655], _**Bank of India v. Aarya Babu & Anr.**_ [(2019) 8 SCC 587], etc. to contend for the position that eligibility and qualifications in the selection process for direct recruitment has to be reckoned by considering as to whether the candidate concerned has possessed the prescribed qualifications as on the last date and that rules for the game of the cannot be changed mid stream and nor can qualifications other than the notified ones be accepted. OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 15 :- 10. Per contra, learned counsel appearing for the contesting respondents/original applicants would contend that the abovesaid submission of the Kerala Public Service Commission is rather technical in nature and that in substance and essence it can be seen that BA degree with Arabic and Islamic History as double main subjects and BA degree in Arabic as sole subject with two subsidiaries, etc. are similar and identical or equivalent qualifications. Further that none other than the rule making authority, ie. State Government, has issued the abovesaid G.O.(Ms).No. 8/2019/ GEdn. dated 14.1.20219 ordering that the abovesaid qualification of BA degree in Arabic and Islamic History double main subjects awarded by the Calicut University is also an acceptable qualification for the post of Arabic teachers in LP and UP schools, etc. The learned Advocates have taken this Court's attention to the said G.O.(Ms).No. 8/2019/GEdn. dated 14.1.2019 ( _see page 53 of the paper book of O.P(KAT) No. 155/2020_ ] which reads as follows: ## "കകേരള സർകക്കാർ സസംഗ്രഹസം പപക്കാതു വവിദദക്കാഭദക്കാസ വകുപപ്പ് - കകേരളതവിപലെ സർവ്വകേലെക്കാശക്കാലെകേൾ നടത്തുന്ന ബവി. എ.(അറബവികേപ്പ് & ഇസക്കാമവികേപ്പ് ഹവിസ്്റവി) ഡബവിൾ പമയവിൻ ബവിരുദസം എൽ.പവി./യ.പവി. വവിഭക്കാഗങ്ങളവിപലെ അറബവികേപ്പ് തസവികേയവിപലെ നവിയമനതവിനപ്പ് കയക്കാഗദതയക്കായവി നവിശ്ചയവിചപ്പ് - ഉതരവപ്പ് പുറപപടുവവിക്കുന. OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 16 :- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- പപക്കാതുവവിദദക്കാഭദക്കാസ (പജ) വകുപപ്പ് സ. ഉ. (കകേ) നസം. 8/19/പപക്കാവവിവ തതീയതവി, തവിരുവനന്തപുരസം 14/01/2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ പരക്കാമർശസം :-(1) സ. ഉ. (പവി) നസം. 76/80 പപക്കാവവിവ, തതീയതവി 06/06/1980. (2) സ. ഉ. (കകേ ) നസം. 114/2018/പപക്കാവവിവ, തതീയതവി 16/05/2018. (3) എസപ്പ്. സവി. ഇ. ആർ. ടവി. ഡയറക്ടറുപട 18/12/2018 പലെ കപക്കാഗ്രക്കാസം 2/4849/2018/എസപ്പ്. സവി. ഇ. ആർ. ടവി. നമ്പർ കേതപ്പ് . ഉ തരവപ്പ് സസംസക്കാനപത എയപ്പ്ഡഡപ്പ്, സർകക്കാർ സ്കൂളുകേളവിപലെ അദദക്കാപകേ കയക്കാഗദതകേൾ ഏകേതീകേരവിച്ചു പകേക്കാണപ്പ് പരക്കാമർശസം (1) പകേക്കാരസം ഉതരവപ്പ് പുറപപടുവവിചവിട്ടുണപ്പ്. കേക്കാലെവികറപ്പ് സർവകേലെക്കാശക്കാലെ നടത്തുന്ന ബവി.എ. (അറബവികേപ്പ് & ഇസക്കാമവികേപ്പ് ഹവിസ്്റവി ഡബവിൾ പമയവിൻ ബവിരുദസം കകേരളതവിപലെ എചപ്പ്.എസപ്പ്.ടവി. (അറബവികേപ്പ്) തസവികേയവികലെക്കുള്ള നവിയമനതവിനപ്പ് കയക്കാഗദതയക്കായവി പരക്കാമർശസം (2) പകേക്കാരവസം നവിശ്ചയവിചവിട്ടുണപ്പ്. കകേരളതവിപലെ എൽ.പവി./യ.പവി. വവിഭക്കാഗങ്ങളവിപലെ അറബവികേപ്പ് തസവികേ യവിപലെ നവിയമനതവിനസം ബവി.എ. (അറബവികേപ്പ് & ഇസക്കാമവികേപ്പ് ഹവിസ്്റവി) ഡബവിൾ പമയവിൻ ബവിരുദസം പരവിഗണവികണപമന്ന ആവശദസം സർകക്കാരവിപന്റെ ശ്രദ യവിൽപപട്ടു. സർകക്കാർ ഇകക്കാരദസം പരക്കാമർശവിത റവികപക്കാർടവിപന്റെ അടവിസക്കാനതവിൽ വവിശദമക്കായവി പരവികശക്കാധവിച്ചു. കകേരളതവിപലെ സർവ്വകേലെക്കാശക്കാലെകേൾ നടത്തുന്നകതക്കാ അസംഗതീകേരവിചകതക്കാ ആയ ബവി.എ. (അറബവികേപ്പ് & ഇസക്കാമവികേപ്പ് ഹവിസ്്റവി) ഡബവിൾ പമയവിൻ ബവിരുദസം എൽ.പവി./യ.പവി. വവിഭക്കാഗങ്ങളവിപലെ അറബവികേപ്പ് അദദക്കാപകേ തസവികേയവികലെക്കുള്ള നവിയമനതവിനപ്പ് കയക്കാഗദതയക്കായവി നവിശ്ചയവിചു ഉതരവപ്പ് പുറപപടുവവിക്കുന. ഇകക്കാരദതവിൽ ആവശദമക്കായ കഭദഗതവി കകേരള വവിദദക്കാഭദക്കാസ ചടങ്ങളവിലസം, പരക്കാമർശസം ഒന്നപ്പ് ഉതരവവിലസം പവിന്നതീടപ്പ് വരുത്തുന്നതക്കാണപ്പ് . (ഗവർണ്ണറുപട ഉതരവവിൻ പകേക്കാരസം) എചപ്പ്. നജതീബപ്പ് (കജക്കായവിന്റെപ്പ് പസക്രടറവി) പസക്രടറവി, കകേരള പബവികേപ്പ് സർവ്വതീസപ്പ് കേമതീഷൻ, തവിരുവനന്തപുരസം പപക്കാതുവവിദദക്കാഭദക്കാസ ഡയറക്ടർ, തവിരുവനന്തപുരസം ഡയറക്ടർ, എസപ്പ്. സവി. ഇ. ആർ. ടവി. തവിരുവനന്തപുരസം ഡയറക്ടർ, ഐ.ടവി. @ സ്കൂൾ, തവിരുവനന്തപുരസം (പവബപ്പ് കസറവിൽ പസവിദതീകേരവിക്കുന്നതവിനപ്പ് )....... ” OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 17 :- 11. The qualifications, as stated in Anx.A-11 in O.A.(EKM) No. ## 2390/2018, which has led to O.P(KAT) No. 161/2021, read as follows _[see page 54 of the paper of O.P(KAT) No. 161/2021]_ ## _**“7. Qualifications** :-_ _(1) A Degree in Arabic conferred or recognized by the Universities in Kerala_ _OR_ _A title of Oriental Learning in Arabic awarded or recognized by the Universities in Kerala_ _OR_ _A pass in Pre-Degree with Part III Arabic (Special Optional) of the Calicut University._ _OR_ _A pass in Plus Two, Part III Arabic (Optional) course conducted by the Board of Higher Secondary Examination in Kerala._ ## _OR_ _A pass in SSLC Examination conducted by the Commissioner for Government Examinations, Kerala with Arabic under Part I and II first Language._ _OR_ _A pass in SSLC examination conducted by the Commissioner for Government Examinations, Kerala or its equivalent; and any one of the following qualifications_ - _1) A Pass in Arabic Munshi Examination (Higher) conducted by the Commissioner for Government Examination, Kerala._ - _2) A Pass in Arabic Munshi Examination (Lower) conducted by the Commissioner for Government Examinations, Kerala._ - _3) A pass in Arabic Teachers Examination conducted by the Commissioner for Government Examination, Kerala._ - _4) A pass in Arabic Entrance Examination of the Kerala and Calicut Universities._ - _Note:1. Candidate should possess the minimum general educational qualification for the post viz. A pass in SSLC Examination conducted by the Commissioner for Government Examinations, Kerala or its equivalent. G.O.(Ms).No. 232/09/G.Edn. Dated 30.11.09._ - _Rule 10a(ii) of Part II KS & SSR will be applicable.”_ 12. It is also urged by the contesting respondents/original applicants that, apart from the degree in Arabic, all other alternative OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 18 :- qualifications as per the selecting notifications are even much lesser than a degree like Title of Oriental Learning, pass in Pre-degree with Part III Arabic (optional) of Calicut University, pass in Plus Two Part III Arabic (Optional) course conducted by the Board of Higher Secondary Examination in Kerala, Pass in SSLC examination conducted by the Commissioner for Examinations for Kerala with Arabic with Part I and II first language. or Munsi examination in Arabic, etc. mentioned therein. That when all the qualifications other than degree in Arabic are standing on a inferior pedestal compared to a degree, it only stands to reason and logic that degree in Arabic and Islamic History double main subjects awarded by the Calicut University should also be treated as an acceptable qualification, as otherwise it would amount to violation of the concept of reasonableness and equality envisaged in Arts.14 and 16 of the Constitution of India. The learned counsel for the contesting respondents would also urge that the abovesaid decisions cited by the Kerala Public Service Commission will not apply to the facts and circumstances of these cases, having regard to the peculiar nature of the qualifications prescribed in the abovesaid selection notification, as above. OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 19 :- 13. Sri.Saigi Jacob Palatty, learned Senior Govt. Pleader would submit on the basis of the instructions of the competent authority of the State in the General Education Department as per Govt. letter No.J3/225/2021/G.Edn. dt. 22.9.2021 that the Government is of the considered view that the abovesaid norms in G.O.(Ms).No.8/2019/G.Edn. dated 14.1.2019 will have only prospective effect and not retrospective effect from the date of its issuance (14.1.2019) and can regulate only selection process in respect of selection notifications issued by the Kerala Public Service Commission on or after 14.1.2019 (date of issuance of the above G.O.). 14. The learned counsel appearing for the applicants would strongly urge that the abovesaid stand of the State Government is not legally correct and tenable, etc. 15. After hearing both sides, it is seen that though the Tribunal had placed reliance on the abovesaid G.O.(Ms) dated 14.1.2019, the view of the State Government on its applicability in these cases was not available before the Tribunal. Therefore, since the Tribunal is the court of first instance and this Court is mainly in the realm of supervisory review, the issues will have to be considered by the Tribunal, taking note of the abovesaid stand of the State OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 20 :- Government as well as the pleas of the parties on that stand of the State Government and then to resolve the issue in the manner known to law. The abovesaid crucial and highly relevant aspect of the matter regarding the stand of the State Government, who is the author of the abovesaid G.O. as well as rule making authority, etc. should have been ascertained by the Tribunal before entering a verdict of this nature. So the matter would require a remit. For effectuating such a remit, it is ordered that the abovesaid impugned final verdicts of the Tribunal in O.A.(EKM) Nos.2176/ 2018, 2390/2018 and 2252/2018 in the abovesaid original applications will stand restored to the file of the Tribunal for its consideration and disposal afresh. The respondent State Government may file their reply statement in the matter within one month. The parties may file additional pleadings by way of rejoinder, etc. without much delay, if so required.. The Tribunal may thereafter take all reasonable endeavours possible under the circumstances to ensure early final disposal of the above OAs., without much delay, preferably within an outer time limit of 3 months from the date of production of a certified copy of this judgment. We make it clear that we have not entered into the merits of the controversy in any manner and it is for the Tribunal to decide OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 **==> picture [36 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** the issue after hearing all the parties, and untrammelled by the views taken by the Tribunal in the abovesaid impugned verdicts, etc. The Registry will forward a copy of this judgment to the Kerala Administrative Tribunal, Ernakulam Bench, for necessary information. With these observations and directions, the above Original Petitions stand finally disposed of. Sd/- **ALEXANDER THOMAS, JUDGE** Sd/- **VIJU ABRAHAM, JUDGE** sdk+ OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 22 :- ## **APPENDIX OF OP(KAT) 155/2020** ## **PETITIONER EXHIBITS** **Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE O.A.(EKM) NO.2176 OF 2018 WITH ITS ANNEXURES. ANNEXURE (A1) TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION DATED 31.12.2013 ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR SELECTION TO THE POST OF FULL TIME JUNIOR LANGUAGE TEACHER (ARABIC) UPS. ANNEXURE (A2) TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PART OF THE SHORT LIST NO.10/2018 DOR DATED 18.05.2018. ANNEXURE (A3) TRUE COPY OF THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE OF 1ST APPLICANT. ANNEXURE (A3) (a) TRUE COPY OF THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE OF 2ND APPLICANT. ANNEXURE (A3)(b) TRUE COPY OF THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE OF 3RD APPLICANT. ANNEXURE (A3)(c) TRUE COPY OF THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE OF 4TH APPLICANT. ANNEXURE (A4) TRUE COPY OF THE U.O.NO.4693/2013/C.U. DATED 10.10.2013. ANNEXURE (A5) TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT DATED 11/10/2018. ANNEXURE (A6) TRUE COPY OF THE REJECTION NOTIFICATION TO THE 1ST APPLICANT. ANNEXURE (A7) TRUE COPY OF THE REJECTION NOTIFICATION TO THE 2ND APPLICANT. ANNEXURE (A8) TRUE COPY OF THE REJECTION NOTIFICATION TO THE 3RD APPLICANT. ANNEXURE (A9) TRUE COPY OF THE REJECTION NOTIFICATION TO THE 4TH APPLICANT.** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 23 :- **ANNEXURE (A10) TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER IN OA(EKM) NO.1848/2018 DATED 03.10.2018. ANNEXURE (A11) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS) NO.114/2018/GEDN DATED 16.08.2018. Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION (E) NO.699 OF 2019 WITH ANNEXURE. Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN O.A.(EKM) NO.2176 OF 2018 DATED 29.03.2019.** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 24 :- ## **APPENDIX OF OP(KAT) 163/2020** ## **PETITIONER EXHIBITS** **EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE O.A (EKM) NO 2252 OF 2018 EXHIBIT P1(A1) TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION DATED 30/08/2016 ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR SELECTION TO THE POST OF PART TIME JUNIOR LANGUAGE TEACHER (ARABIC) LPS IN THRISSUR DISTRICT. EXHIBIT P1(A2) TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PART OF THE SHORT LIST NO. 12/2018 DOR DATED 3/09/2018 EXHIBIT P1(A3) TRUE COPY OF THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE OF 1ST APPLICANT DATED 18-12-1999 EXHIBIT P1(A3(A) TRUE COPY OF THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE OF 2ND APPLICANT DATED EXHIBIT P1(A3) (B) TRUE COPY OF THE DEGREE CERTIFICATE OF 3RD APPLICANT DATED 05-07-2000 EXHIBIT P1(A4) TRUE COPY OF THE U.ONO 4693/2013/C.U DATED 10/10/2013 EXHIBIT P1(A5) TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT DATED 11/10/2018 EXHIBIT P1(A6) TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PART OF THE INTERVIEW PROGRAMME OF KPSC FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2018. EXHIBIT P1(A7) TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER IN O.A (EKM) NO. 2176/2018 DATED 27-11-2018 EXHIBIT P1(A8) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O(MS) NO. 114/2018/GEDN DATED 16/08/18 EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION (E) NO. 763 OF 2019** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 25 :- **EXHIBIT P1(A9) TRUE COPY OF THE RANKED LIST NO. 175/19/SSIII FOR THE POST OF PART TIME JUNIOR LANGUAGE TEACHER(ARABIC) LPS IN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THRISSUR DISTRICT WITH EFFECT FROM 13-03-2019 EXHIBIT P1(A10) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O(MS) NO. 08/19/GEDN DATED THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 14/01/2019** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 26 :- ## **APPENDIX OF OP(KAT) 161/2021** ## **PETITIONER ANNEXURE** **Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE STANDING DISABILITY ASSESSMENT BOARD CERTIFICATE NO.856/2007 DATED 27.06.2007. Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE B.A.ARABIC CERTIFICATE OF THE APPLICANT ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT DATED 13.03.2006. Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE B.ED. IN SOCIAL SCIENCE CERTIFICATE OF THE APPLICANT ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT DATED 03.03.2008. Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE DATED 15.09.2018 ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT. Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS0 NO.114/18/G.EDN. DATED 16.08.2018. Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(P) NO.76/80/G.EDN. DATED 06.06.1980. Annexure A7 TRUE COPY OF THE DISCHARGE CERTIFICATES FROM THE HEADMASTER GFUPS, KADAVANAD DATED 31.03.2008. Annexure A8 TRUE COPY OF THE DISCHARGE CERTIFICATES FROM THE HEADMASTER GFUPS, PAINKANNUR DATED 31.03.2010. Annexure A9 TRUE COPY OF THE DISCHARGE CERTIFICATES FROM THE HEADMASTER GWUPS, TRIKKULAM DATED 31.03.2011. Annexure A10 TRUE COPY OF THE PROFILE OF THE APPLICANT IN THE PSC WITH PCN 180081802. Annexure A11 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION VIDE CATEGORY NO.230/16 (GAZETTE DATED 30.08.2016)** OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 ||- : 27 :-| |---|---| |**Annexure A11(a)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION VIDE**| ||**CATEGORY NO.229/16 (GAZETTE DATED**| ||**30.08.2016)**| |**Annexure A12**|**TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DETAILS FOR**| ||**THE POST OF PART TIME LG ARABIC LP**| ||**DOWNLOADED FROM THE WEBSITE OF PSC.**| |**Annexure A12(a)**|**TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DETAILS FOR**| ||**THE POST OF FULL TIME LG ARABIC TEACHER**| ||**LP DOWNLOADED FROM THE WEBSITE OF PSC.**| |**Annexure A13**|**TRUE COPY OF THE EXAMINATION DETAILS IN**| ||**THE PROFILE OF THE APPLICANT.**| |**Annexure A14**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LIST PUBLISHED BY THE**| ||**4TH RESPONDENT VIDE SL. NO.16/2018/DOB**| ||**DATED 01.11.2018.**| |**Annexure A15**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LIST PUBLISHED BY THE**| ||**3RD RESPONDENT VIDE SL. NO.12/18/DOM**| ||**DATED 29.09.2018.**| |**Annexure A16**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.KGD I (2)**| ||**5165/14 DATED 15.11.2018 ISSUED BY THE**| ||**4TH RESPONDENT.**| |**Annexure A17**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.MSS I (1)**| ||**5934/17 DATED 30.08.2018 ISSUED BY THE**| ||**3RD RESPONDENT.**| |**Annexure A18**|**TRUE COPY OF THE PRINT OUT OF THE WEB**| ||**PAGE SHOWING THE APPLICATION SUBMITTED**| ||**BY THE APPLICANT FOR THE POST OF LG**| ||**ARABIC IN MALAPPURAM DISTRICTS DISPOSED**| ||**AND HIS APPLICATION FOR LG ARABIC IN**| ||**KASARGOD DISTRICT IS REJECTED.**| |**Annexure A19**|**TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(MS) NO.8/19/G.EDN.**| ||**DATED 14.01.2019.**| |**Annexure A20**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE**| ||**KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL IN OA**| ||**(EKM) 2176/2018 DATED 29.03.2019.**| |**Exhibit P1**|**TRUE COPY OF THE O.A.(EKM) NO.2390 OF**| ||**2018 WITH ITS ANNEXURES.**| OPKAT NOS.155/20, 163/20 & 161/21 - : 28 :- **Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION (E) NO.411 OF 2019 WITH ANNEXURE. Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION (E) NO.621 OF 2021 WITH ANNEXURE. Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN O.A.(EKM) NO.2390 OF 2018 DATED 08.04.2021.**