High Court of KeralaDivision BenchOriginal petitions dismissed.

OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019 – State of Kerala v Manojkumar P.S. and others; State of Kerala v Sreelatha M.D and Prasanna M.G.

Case / Petition Number:OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019
Neutral Citation:/

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • A. Muhamed Mustaque
  • P. Krishna Kumar
Judgment Date
2025-03-28
Court Decision / Holding
Original petitions dismissed. The Court holds that the Government order dated 10/07/2014 cannot be read to extend seniority uniformly to all similarly situated employees and that the Note’s effect cannot be read in a way that would unduly disrupt established seniority. While the Government may refine seniority norms, the Court refuses to grant relief that would disturb the positions of other employees not before the Court, and allows the Tribunal’s and Government’s policy to stand in this context.
Final Disposition
Original petitions dismissed.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • State of Kerala represented by Secretary to Government, Personal and Administrative Reforms (Advice-C) Department, Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695001
  • Principal Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001
  • Commissioner of Land Revenue, Office of the Commissioner of Land Revenue, Public Office Building, Thiruvananthapuram - 695009
  • District Collector, Collectorate, Pathanamthitta - 689645, Kerala
  • District Collector, Collectorate, Alappuzha - 688001

Respondents

  • Manojkumar P.S.
  • Sunil Baby
  • M.K.Sarala
  • Rajalekshmi Amma M.
  • Sangeetha Sasidharan
  • Sumitha Radhakrishnan
  • Saritha S.
  • Sreenanda M.
  • Sreenidhi M. (minor)
  • Seetha Panicker
  • Sreelatha M.D.
  • Prasanna M.G.

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • S.P. Arunavindakshan Pillay
  • • Pratheesh.P
  • • M.S.Radhakrishnan Nair
  • • N. Santha
  • • V. Varghese
  • • Peter Jose Christo
  • • S.A. Anand
  • • L. Annapoorna
  • • Vishnu V.K.
  • • Abhirami K. Uday
  • • K.N.Remya
  • • S.Seetha

Counsels for Respondents

  • • M. Fathahudeen
  • • Jelson J. Edampadam

Case Synopsis & Summary

This is a consolidated High Court of Kerala decision in OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019 and 252/2019 concerning seniority for Kerala government employees who were initially appointed to Headquarters vacancies and later inter-departmentally transferred to different districts between 1997 and 2014. The petitioners, comprising State authorities (Secretary to Government, Personal and Administrative Reforms; Revenue Department; Commissioner of Land Revenue; District Collectors of Pathanamthitta/Chittoor and Alappuzha), challenge the seniority fixation under Rule 27(a) KS&SSR, specifically the fourth proviso and the Note thereto. A 1997 Note clarified that the Note could not be read to apply to inter-departmental transfers, while a Government order of 10 July 2014 purportedly retained seniority from the date of PSC advice. The Tribunal had viewed the Note’s dilution as potentially discriminatory, but the Court emphasizes that seniority norms reflect policy and must avoid arbitrariness or discrimination under Article 14. Citing Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Royappa, Modern Dental College, Subramanian Swamy and K.S. Puttaswamy decisions, the Court assesses whether the Government’s 2014 order is under-inclusive or arbitrary. It concludes that the Government’s action cannot extend seniority uniformly across all similarly situated employees, and thus the original petitions are dismissed, though the Government may reconsider seniority notionally in other cases.

Provisions of Law Cited

Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958 (KS&SSR) Rule 27(a) (including first proviso and fourth proviso)Note to the fourth proviso to Rule 27(a)Constitution of India Article 309Constitution of India Article 14

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Reasonable classification under Article 14
  • Under-inclusive vs. over-inclusive classifications
  • Rational nexus (two-pronged) test under Article 14
  • Arbitrariness as a ground under Article 14 (E. P. Royappa)
  • Proportionality test in constitutional scrutiny (Modern Dental College & Research Centre)
  • Proportionality in constitutional review (Subramanian Swamy)
  • Privacy jurisprudence foundations (K. S. Puttaswamy)

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend that the seniority of employees who were advised by the District PSC for appointment in Headquarters vacancies and subsequently transferred inter-departmentally should be fixed with reference to the date of original PSC advice. They challenge the 1997 Note to the fourth proviso and the 2014 Government order; they argue the Note reflects a policy that cannot be undone by a later order, and that the lack of uniform application risks discrimination across similarly situated employees. They urge the Court to uphold seniority from the PSC advice date or, at minimum, to ensure consistent, non-arbitrary treatment across the class of employees who underwent inter-departmental transfers within 01/03/1997 to 10/07/2014. They emphasize statutory rules (KS&SSR) and constitutional guarantees against arbitrary classification.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents defend the Government’s policy as a rational classification balancing public interest. They contend seniority norms are policy instruments, subject to change by executive orders if rational and not discriminatory. They argue the 2014 order reflects a policy choice to not pursue the Note and to fix seniority from PSC advice in a selective manner, which cannot be used to extend seniority uniformly to all those transferred within the period. They warn that restoring seniority for one class could disturb the seniority of others who are not before the Court, and urge the Court to refrain from directing broad retrospective relief that disrupts long-settled norms.

Cited Precedents (9)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Director of Industries v. Sreedharan1996 (2) KLT 370PositiveHeld that the proviso would apply to inter-departmental transfers.
Thomas v. State of Kerala2006 (3) KLT 60Mentioned OnlyNote cannot have retrospective effect but only prospective from 01/03/1997; cited as backdrop to the Note’s interpretation.
State of Gujarat v. Shri Ambica Mills Ltd.(1974) 4 SCC 656PositiveDefines reasonable classification under Article 14.
State of Tamil Nadu v. National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturist Assn.(2021) 15 SCC 534PositiveTwo-pronged rational nexus test for Article 14.
E. P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu(1974) 4 SCC 3PositiveArbitrariness principle under Article 14.
Modern Dental College & Research Centre v. State of M.P.(2016) 7 SCC 353PositiveProportionality test in constitutional scrutiny.
Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India(2016) 7 SCC 221PositiveProportionality framework applied to constitutional validity.
K.S. Puttaswamy (Privacy-9J.) v. Union of India(2017) 10 SCC 1PositiveFoundational privacy rights; proportionality considerations.
K.S. Puttaswamy (Aadhaar-5J.) v. Union of India(2019) 1 SCC 1PositiveExpands privacy jurisprudence; proportionality and non-classificatory arbitrariness.

Diagnostic Tool

Beta

Does this judgment govern your specific facts?

Don't risk relying on a distinguishable precedent. Enter your facts or proposition below. We will test it against OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019 – State of Kerala v Manojkumar P.S. and others; State of Kerala v Sreelatha M.D and Prasanna M.G. and instantly map out authorities that support, challenge, or govern your position.

Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ## -:1:- ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ## **`THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P. KRISHNA KUMAR`** ``` FRIDAY, THE 28[TH] DAY OF MARCH 2025 / 7TH CHAITHRA, 1947 ``` ``` OP(KAT) NO. 238OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER DATED 27.07.2018 IN OA NO.1281 OF 2015 OF KERALA ``` ``` ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ``` ## **`PETITIONER/S:`** - **`1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, PERSONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS (ADVICE-C) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA - 695001.`** - **`2 PRINCIPLE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, REVENUE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA - 695001.`** - **`3 COMMISSIONER OF LAND REVENUE, OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF LAND REVENUE, PUBLIC OFFICE BUILDING, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA 695009.`** - **`4 DISTRICT COLLECTOR, COLLECTORATE, CHITTOOR, PATHNAMTHITTA - 689645, KERALA.`** - **`5 DISTRICT COLLECTOR, COLLECTORATE, PALACE ROAD, CIVIL STATION WARD, ALAPPUZHA, KERALA - 688 001.`** ``` BY ADV GOVERNMENT PLEADER SHRI SUNILKUMAR KURIAKOSE ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** - **`1 MANOJKUMAR P.S., S/O.P.G.PARAMESWARA PANICKER, SENIOR CLERK, TALUK OFFICE,`** -:2:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` ADOOR - 689693, PATHANAMTHITTA, RESIDENT OF NANDANAM, PAYYANNALLOOR P.O., NOORANADU (VIA), ALAPPUZHA, KERALA - 690564. ``` - **`2 SUNIL BABY, S/O.BABY S., SENIOR CLERK, COLLECTORATE, PATHANAMTHITTA, RESIDENT OF EDAYANAVILAYIL, PERINGANDADU P.O., ADOOR, PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA - 691551.`** - **`3 M.K.SARALA, D/O.A.K.RAMAN, SELECTION GRADE TYPIST, TALUK OFFICE, ADOOR PATHANAMTHITTA, RESIDENT OF JYOTHI VILASOM, THUVAYOOR SOUTH P.O., KADAMPANAD, PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA - 691552.`** - **`4 RAJALEKSHMI AMMA M., SENIOR CLERK/SPECIAL VILLAGE OFFICER, TALUK OFFICE, MAVELIKKARA - 690 105, RESIDENT OF PUNNOOR HOUSE, THRIPPERINTHURA P.O., CHENNITHALA, MAVELIKKARA, ALAPPUZHA, KERALA-690105.`** - **`5 SANGEETHA SASIDHARAN, W/O.RAJESH SASI S., SENIOR CLERK, TALUK OFFICE, MAVELIKKARA, RESIDENT OF SOWPARNIKA, VATHIKULARM, THEKKEKKARA P.O., MAVELIKKARA, ALAPPUZHA, KERALA - 690107.`** - **`6 SUMITHA RADHAKRISHNAN, AGED 45 YEARS SOUGHT TO BE IMPLEADED`** - **`7 ADDL R6: SARITHA S., AGED 42 YEARS, W/O THE LATE MANOJ, "NANDANAM", PAYYANALLOOR P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN-690504`** - **`8 ADDL R7: SREENANDA M., D/O THE LATE MANOJ KUMAR, AGED 19 YEARS, "NANDANAM", PAYYANALLOOR P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN-690 504`** - **`9 ADDL R8: SREENIDHI M.(MINOR) D/O THE LATE MANOJ KUMAR, AGED 14 YEARS, , "NANDANAM", PAYYANALLOOR P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN-690 504, REPRESENTED BY MOTHER AND GUARDIAN SMT.SARITHA S. AGED 42 YEARS, W/O THE LATE MANOJ, "NANDANAM", PAYYANALLOOR P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN-690 504`** - **`10 ADDL R9: SEETHA PANICKER , AGED 70 YEARS, W/O P.G.PARAMESHWARA PANICKER, PUNTHALA, PAYYANALLOOR P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN-690504 ADDITIONAL R6 TO R9 ARE IMPLEADED AS PER ORDER DATED 23/7/24 IN IA 1/24`** **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:3:- ## `2025:KER:28352` ``` IN OP(KAT) 238/2019. ``` ``` BY ADVS. S.P.ARAVINDAKSHAN PILLAY PRATHEESH.P M.S.RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR N.SANTHA V.VARGHESE PETER JOSE CHRISTO S.A.ANAND L.ANNAPOORNA VISHNU V.K. ABHIRAMI K. UDAY K.N.REMYA S.SEETHA ``` ``` THIS OP KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.03.2025, ALONG WITH OP(KAT).252/2019, THE COURT ON 28.03.2025 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** -:4:- ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P. KRISHNA KUMAR ``` ``` FRIDAY, THE 28[TH] DAY OF MARCH 2025 / 7TH CHAITHRA, 1947 ``` ``` OP(KAT) NO. 252 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER DATED 27.07.2018 IN OA NO.2515 OF 2016 OF KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ``` ## **`PETITIONER/S:`** - **`1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAURAM,KERALA-695 001`** - **`2 PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT , REVENUE DEPARTMENT,GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,KERALA-695 001`** - **`3 COMMISSIONER OF LAND REVENUE, OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF LAND REVENUE ,PUBLIC OFFICE BUILDING, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA-695 009`** - **`4 THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, THRISSUR DISTRICT, COLLECTORATE, THRISSUR-680003,KERALA`** ``` BY ADV GOVERNMENT PLEADER SHRI SUNILKUMAR KURIAKOSE ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** - **`1 SREELATHA M.D W/O. MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI.G., NOW WORKING AS SELECTION GRADE TYPIST IN COLLECTORATE, THRISUR-680003,RESIDENT F MANOOR HOUSE, TB ROAD, PARAKODE P.O., ADOOR, PATHANAMTHITTA ,KERALA-691 554`** **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:5:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` ``` 2 PRASANNA.M.G., W/O. T.R.SETHUNATH, PRESENTLY WORKING AS LD TYPIST IN COLLECTORATE, THRISUR-680003, RESIDENT OF MANCHERY HOUSE, AYYANTHOLE, THRIUR-680003,KERALA ``` ``` BY ADVS. SRI.M.FATHAHUDEEN SRI.JELSON J.EDAMPADAM ``` ``` THIS OP KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.03.2025, ALONG WITH OP(KAT).238/2019, THE COURT ON 28.03.2025 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** -:6:- **==> picture [276 x 12] intentionally omitted <==** ## **`Dated this the 28th day of March 2025`** ## A.Muhamed Mustaque, J. The issue in this matter concerns the seniority of those persons who were advised by the District Office of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) to be appointed to vacancies at the Headquarters without obtaining their willingness and thereafter transferred to the district of their choice after such appointment. 2. The respondents were appointed as Lower Division Clerks in Headquarters vacancies of various departments. They were later transferred to the revenue department in the respective districts. The inter-departmental transfers of the respondents herein were between 1997 and 2014. 3. Under the first proviso to Rule 27(a) of the Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958 (KS&SSR), the seniority of persons **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:7:- ## `2025:KER:28352` on mutual, inter-unit, or inter-departmental transfer will be fixed based on the date on which such persons join a new unit or department. That means such a transfer will result in forfeiture of seniority. ## 4. A fourth proviso to Rule 27(a) of KS&SSR was inserted with effect from 26/09/1980. This proviso reads thus: “Provided also that the seniority of a person advised by the District Office of the Public Service Commission for appointment in the vacancy in the Headquarters, without obtaining his willingness and transferred after such appointment to the district of his choice without insisting on the time limit of five years, shall be determined with reference to the date of his original advice by the District Office of the Public Service Commission.” 5. In a reported judgment of this Court in **Director of Industries v. Sreedharan [1996 (2) KLT 370]** , this Court held that this proviso would apply to inter-departmental transfers. Thereafter, a Note was added to the fourth proviso on 01/03/1997, with retrospective effect from 26/09/1980, the date on which the proviso came into existence, clarifying that the fourth proviso shall not apply to inter-departmental transfers. This was subjected to further challenge before this Court in **Thomas v. State of Kerala** **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:8:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **[2006 (3) KLT 60]** wherein this Court held that the Note cannot have a retrospective effect but can have only a prospective effect w.e.f. 01/03/1997. That means, those employees of the nature of the respondents are not entitled to get the benefit of seniority from the original date of advice of the PSC. 6. Thereafter, the Government diluted the operation of the Note by various executive orders. Now, under the Government order dated 10/07/2014, the seniority can be retained from the date of advice of PSC. 7. The issue is in regard to the seniority of persons like the respondents who got inter-departmental transfers between 01/03/1997 and 10/07/2014. The Tribunal, after adverting to various precedents, was of the view that the Government, having decided to water down the application of the Note, cannot treat respondents differently for the benefit of seniority based on advice of the PSC. 8. We note that the Government had no consistent policy regarding the determination of the seniority of persons who obtained inter-departmental transfers. Some of the persons who joined after **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:9:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` the respondents will get the advantage of the Government orders. It is not a case where the Government had decided, as per its order dated 10/07/2014, that such seniority shall be restored only with effect from 10/07/2014. It is rather seen as a clarification, nullifying the purport of the Note itself. If the Note as such stands part of the fourth proviso, the Government thereafter could not have issued an order on 10/07/2024, conferring the benefit of seniority to the class of persons who have obtained inter-departmental transfers. It is to be noted that a similar class of Government employees who have received inter-departmental transfer before insertion of the Note to the fourth proviso were entitled to retain seniority based on advice of the PSC. Therefore, the Government order can be seen only as an intention to remove the effect of the Note as part of the fourth proviso to Rule 27(a) of KS&SSR. 9. We are aware of the fact that the Government cannot issue an executive order contrary to the statutory rules framed under Article 309 of the Constitution of India. Note to the fourth proviso of Section 27(a) of KS&SSR is part of the statutory rules. However, Note **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:10:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` embodies the principles related to seniority, reflecting the policy of the Government; nothing prevents the Government from not pursuing its policy in the larger public interest. Therefore, the Government order dated 10/07/2014 can only be seen as a decision by the Government not to give effect to the Note on interdepartmental transfer referred to in the fourth proviso. 10. We are also aligned to another situation as to the impact of the decision of the Government not to give effect to the Note. ## Illustration: If ‘X’ enters service in the year 2012, and ‘Y’ enters service in the year 2013 and ‘X’ is allowed to have an inter-departmental transfer before 10/07/2014, (in this illustration, on 10/05/2014); and ‘Y’ was allowed inter-departmental transfer after 10/07/2024, (in illustration as on 15/07/2024); ‘Y’ will become senior to ‘X’ in the same department by the change in policy after 10/07/2014. This is the legal problem we have to address. 11. The question then is whether the Government order dated 10/07/2014 is under-inclusive for not extending the benefit of ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** -:11:- seniority to a class of employees who were transferred between the period of 01/03/1997 and 10/07/2014. 12. Normally, the Court cannot interfere with the policy of the Government unless such policy is manifestly arbitrary, meting out different treatment to the same class of persons. The norms and rules related to seniority reflect the policy of the Government. If the policy itself is discriminatory, the Court can very well interfere with such a policy to ensure inclusiveness of all such classes of employees against whom the policy is found to be arbitrary and discriminatory. 13. In **State of Gujarat v. Shri Ambica Mills Ltd. [(1974) 4 SCC 656]** , the Apex Court in paragraphs 54 and 55 has elucidated the principles of reasonable classification as follows: “54. A reasonable classification is one which includes all who are similarly situated and none who are not. The question then is: what does the phrase “similarly situated” mean? The answer to the question is that we must look beyond the classification to the purpose of the law. A reasonable classification is one which includes all persons who are similarly situated with respect to the purpose of the law. The purpose of a law may be either the elimination of a public mischief or the achievement of some positive public good. 55. A classification is under-inclusive when all who are included in the class **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:12:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` are tainted with the mischief but there are others also tainted whom the classification does not include. In other words, a classification is bad as underinclusive when a State benefits or burdens persons in a manner that furthers a legitimate purpose but does not confer the same benefit or place the same burden on others who are similarly situated. A classification is over-inclusive when it includes not only those who are similarly situated with respect to the purpose but others who are not so situated as well. In other words, this type of classification imposes a burden upon a wider range of individuals than are included in the class of those attended with mischief at which the law aims. Herod ordering the death of all male children born on a particular day because one of them would some day bring about his downfall employed such a classification.” ## 14. The Apex Court in **State of T.N. v. National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturist Assn. [(2021) 15 SCC 534]** , has held as follows: “29. The determination of whether the classification is under-inclusive is closely related to the test that is undertaken by the Court while determining the relationship of the means to the end. This Court follows the two-pronged test to determine if there has been a violation of Article 14. The test requires the Court to determine if there is a _rational nexus_ with the object sought to be achieved. P.N. Bhagwati, J. (as the learned Chief Justice then was) in _E.P. Royappa_ v. _State of T.N._ [ _E.P. Royappa_ v. _State of T.N._ , (1974) 4 SCC 3 : 1974 SCC (L&S) 165] held that arbitrariness of State action is sufficient to constitute a violation of ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:13:- Article 14. Thus, it came to be recognised that the equality doctrine as envisaged in the Constitution not only guarantees against comparative unreasonableness but also non-comparative unreasonableness. [ _See_ Tarunabh Khaitan, “Equality : Legislative Review under Article 14” in Sujit Choudhry, Madhav Khosla, Pratap Bhanu Mehta (Eds.), _The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution_ (Oxford University Press, 2016).] This Court in _Modern Dental College & Research Centre_ v. _State of M.P._ [ _Modern Dental College & Research Centre_ v. _State of M.P._ , (2016) 7 SCC 353 : 7 SCEC 1], invoked the proportionality test while testing the validity of the statute and rules that sought to regulate admission, fees and provided reservations for postgraduate courses in private educational institutions. In _Subramanian Swamy_ v. _Union of India_ [ _Subramanian Swamy_ v. _Union of India_ , (2016) 7 SCC 221 : (2016) 3 SCC (Cri) 1], the Court used the proportionality test to determine if the offence of criminal defamation prescribed under Sections 499 and 500IPC violates the freedom of speech and expression under Section 19(1)( _a_ ). In _K.S. Puttaswamy (Privacy-9J.)_ v. _Union of India_ [ _K.S. Puttaswamy (Privacy-9J.)_ v. _Union of India_ , (2017) 10 SCC 1], a nine-Judge Bench of this Court held that the right to privacy is a fundamental right. The proportionality standard was used in the context of determining the limits that could be imposed on the right to privacy. The Constitution Bench then dealt with the proportionality test in _K.S. Puttaswamy (Aadhaar-5J.)_ v. _Union of India_ [ _K.S. Puttaswamy (Aadhaar-5J.)_ v. _Union of India_ , (2019) 1 SCC 1], to determine if the Aadhar scheme violated the right to privacy of an individual. Our Courts have used the proportionality standard to determine non-classificatory arbitrariness, and have used the twin test to determine if the classification is arbitrary.” 15. The provided illustration demonstrates how underinclusiveness leads to arbitrariness by excluding employees of the same class who received inter-departmental transfers before **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:14:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` 10/07/2014. The determination of seniority norms is an aspect of service conditions, and the Government has the authority to establish such norms at different times, provided they align with the intended objectives. However, in doing so, the Government must ensure that the application of these norms to serving employees does not result in discrimination. Norms cannot be structured in a way that grants an unfair advantage to some based on fortuitous circumstances. It is evident that the Government did not exercise due diligence when issuing the order dated 10/07/2014. While the Government has the discretion to rationalize its policies based on various factors, in this case, it appears to be a mere decision not to implement the Note. Under such circumstances, individuals like the respondents should not suffer adverse consequences due to mechanically made decisions that lack proper consideration. 16. There may be a situation that if the respondents are allowed to restore seniority from the date of advice of PSC, it could affect the seniority of others who are not before us. We are told that many of the respondents have retired from the service. We do not **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:15:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` want to upset the findings of the Tribunal, as the Government can very well refix/restore their seniority, at least notionally. With liberty as above, the original petitions are dismissed. Sd/- **A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE** Sd/- **P. KRISHNA KUMAR, JUDGE** ms ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ## -:16:- ## **`APPENDIX OF OP(KAT) 252/2019`** |**`PETITIONER EXHIBITS`**|| |---|---| |**`Exhibit P1(A15)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF GO(P) NO.5/2010/P & ARD DATED`**| ||**`04.03.2010.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A13)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION OF THE 1ST`**| ||**`APPLICANT DATED 28.09.2016.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A14)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.18366/ADV.C3/14/P&ARD`**| ||**`DATED 17.10.2014.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A12)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE REJECTION LETTER NO.LRT5-`**| ||**`43214/14 DATED 29.02.2016.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A11)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION OF THE 2ND`**| ||**`APPLICANT DATED 04.01.2016.`**| |**`Exhibit P1 (A10)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF GO(P) NO.38/2014/P & ARD DATED`**| ||**`14.11.2014.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A9)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF GO(P) NO.20/2014/P& ARD DATED`**| ||**`10.07.2014.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A8)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF GO (P) NO.05/2013/P & ARD DATED`**| ||**`06.02.2013.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A7)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT DATED 08.06.2008 UN OP`**| ||**`NO.4034/2003.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A6)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE G.O. (RT) NO.290/2014/RD DATED`**| ||**`13.01.2014.`**| |**`Exhibit P1 (A5)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ORDER NO.EA2/2156/2008/DH DATED`**| ||**`18.10.2012.`**| |**`Exhibit P1(A4)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ADVICE MEMO NO.R1(4)1125/09 (1)`**| ||**`DATED 26.09.2012.`**| |**`Exhibit P1 (A3)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDINGS NO.S5/23/03 DATED`**| ||**`13.09.2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1 (A2)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDIINGS NO.S5.23/03 DATED`**| ||**`02.09.2004.`**| **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ## -:17:- ## `2025:KER:28352` ``` Exhibit P1 (A1) TRUE COPY OF ADVICE MEMO NO.PTA II (4) 2020/97 DATED 02.08.2003. ``` ## **`RESPONDENT EXHIBITS`** ``` Exhibit R1(a) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O RT. NO. 130/2020/F&WLD DATED 04.06.2020 Exhibit R1(b) TRUE COPY OF THE G.O (RT.) NO. 649/2024/HOME DATED 02.03.2024 ``` ``` Exhibit R1(c) TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR NO.C.3/100/2024/P& A.R. D DATED 24.09.2024 ``` ``` PETITIONER EXHIBITS ``` ``` EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER DATED 27.07.2018 IN OA NO.2525/2016 OF THE KERALA ADMINISITRATIVE TRIBUNAL EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT DATED 25.01.2018 FILED ON BEHALF OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT DATED 12.06.2018 FILED ON BEHALF OF THE 2ND RESPONDENT EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT DATED 03.01.2018 FILED ON BEHALF OF THE FIRST RESPONDENT EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION ALONG WITH ANNEXURES, ``` ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ## -:18:- ## **`APPENDIX OF OP(KAT) 238/2019`** ## **`PETITIONER EXHIBITS`** |**`EXHIBIT P1`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION ALONG WITH`**| |---|---| ||**`ANNEXURES AND MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION TO JOIN`**| ||**`TOGETHER.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A1)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ADVICE MEMO NO.PTA II(4)1799/96`**| ||**`DATED 01/04/2002.`**| |**`EXHIBIT PA1(A2)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF APPOINTMENT ORDER NO.E.2586/2001/CE`**| ||**`DATED 06/04/2002.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A3)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.15203/04 DATED`**| ||**`02/08/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A4)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.S5-12/2004 DATED`**| ||**`12/08/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A5)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.PTA 11(4)831/03 DATED`**| ||**`06/10/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A6)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ORDER NO.P-1836/04 DATED 18/10/2014.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A7)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.NR E3.45833/2004(1)`**| ||**`DATED 13/11/2006.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A8)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.S5-192/05 DATED`**| ||**`24/11/2006.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A9)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ADVICE MEMO NO.PTA II(D)2020/97`**| ||**`DATED 07/06/2001.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A10)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF APPOINTMENT ORDER NO.HR2 1668/2001`**| ||**`DATED 25/06/2001.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A11)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF RELIEVING ORDER NO.HRJ-1/145/04`**| ||**`DATED 20/01/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A12)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF POSTING ORDER NO.S5-13/2004 DATED`**| ||**`28/01/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A13)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ADVICE MEMO NO.AR(1) 2846/96 DATED`**| ||**`23/10/2003.`**| ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` -:19:- ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** |**`EXHIBIT P1(A14)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ORDER NO.E.2267/03/CE DATED`**| |---|---| ||**`03/11/2003.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A15)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.LR E3-34187/2004`**| ||**`DATED 24/12/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A16)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.A3-600/05 DATED`**| ||**`18/01/2005.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A17)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ADVICE MEMO NO.ARM439/03 DATED`**| ||**`20/02/2014.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A18)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF ORDER NO.E6-8533/02 DATED`**| ||**`03/03/2014.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A19)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.E3.33816/04 DATED`**| ||**`18/08/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A20)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDINGS NO.A3.600/04 DATED`**| ||**`25/08/2004.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A21)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN OP NO.4034/2003.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A22)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 19/11/2012 IN`**| ||**`T.A.NO.4577/2012.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A23)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF GO(P) NO.05/2013/P&ARD DATED`**| ||**`06/02/2013.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A24)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF GO(P) NO.20/2014/P&ARD DATED`**| ||**`10/07/2014.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A25)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.18366/ADV.C3/14/P&ARD`**| ||**`DATED 17/10/2014.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A26)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER GO(P) NO.38/2014/P&ARD`**| ||**`DATED 14/11/2014.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P1(A27)`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER GO(P) NO.5/2010/P&ARD`**| ||**`DATED 04/03/2010 MA FOR JOIN TOGETHER.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P2`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED ON BEHALF`**| ||**`OF THE 1ST RESPONDENT.`**| |**`EXHIBIT P3`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE 2ND`**| ||**`RESPONDENT.`**| ``` [OP(KAT) Nos.238/2019, 252/2019] ``` ``` 2025:KER:28352 ``` **==> picture [58 x 58] intentionally omitted <==** ## -:20:- ``` EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT ALONG WITH ANNEXURE R3(A). ``` ``` EXHIBIT P4(R3A) TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.5526/T3/2015/REVENUE DATED 04/03/2015. ``` ``` EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER DATED 27/07/2018 IN OA NO.1281/2015 OF THE KERALA ADMINITRATIVE TRIBUNAL. ```