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High Court of KeralaDivision BenchDismissed

RP No. 467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & RP No. 468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020, High Court of Kerala

Case / Petition Number:RP 467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020; RP 468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar
  • Gopinath P.
Judgment Date
2021-11-19
Court Decision / Holding
Dismissed
Final Disposition
Dismissed

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • M. DHINU RAKESH
  • ANAND RAYIPUDI
  • S.JAYAKUMAR

Respondents

  • SAM DIVANNI
  • B AJIKRISHNAN
  • G.VINOD
  • M.S.SANTHOSH KUMAR
  • R.RAVIKUMAR
  • S.MANOJKUMAR
  • T.A.SAFEER
  • K.ANILKUMAR
  • G.KOSHOR KUMAR
  • K.B.VENU GOPALAN
  • B.ANILKUMAR
  • PRADEEP G.KUMAR
  • R.MAHESH KUMAR
  • P.S.SURALAL
  • R.MADHUSOODANAN
  • JOHNY THOMAS
  • N.V.GIREESH KUMAR
  • GIRISH Babu
  • P.BIJU
  • UNION OF INDIA
  • THE GENERAL MANAGER, SOUTHERN RAILWAY
  • THE SENIOR DIVISIONAL PERSONAL OFFICER

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Premchand R. Nair
  • • K. Manickaraj

Counsels for Respondents

  • • S. Radhakrishnan
  • • Smt. Anjali R
  • • Sri. Harikum G. Nair

Case Synopsis & Summary

These review petitions arise from a common judgment in OP(CAT) Nos. 149/2020 and 102/2020, wherein the Kerala High Court held that the promotion of candidates is solely on merit and that reserved-category candidates who secured accelerated promotions could be considered against unreserved vacancies in the higher category. The petitioners, M. Dhinu Rakesh, Anand Rayipudi, and S. Jayakumar (loco pilots of the Southern Railway), challenge that observation, arguing it runs contrary to the law laid down by the Supreme Court. The respondents, including the Union of India and the Southern Railway, urge that no ground for review exists and that a Special Leave Petition against the judgment is pending before the Supreme Court. The judges consider the review petitions on 19 November 2021, with a division bench comprising A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar, J., and Gopinath P., J. The court notes the petitioners’ reliance on the Supreme Court’s decision in Ajit Singh Januja and Others v. State of Punjab (1996) 2 SCC 715 and finds that the common judgment’s stance is not contrary to that authority. Ultimately, the court refuses to exercise jurisdiction and dismisses the reviews. The order cites the earlier common judgments in OP(CAT) Nos. 3791/2012, 100/2017, 145/2017, 144/2017, and 175/2017 dated 26.07.2018 in annexures. The matter concludes with the petitions being dismissed and the order of the court. The neutral citation is not provided in the document.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The review petitioners’ counsel, Sri Premchand R. Nair along with Sri K. Manickaraj, contends that the observation in the principal judgment – that reserved-category candidates cannot be considered for promotion in unreserved posts in the higher category – contradicts the law laid down by the Supreme Court. They rely on the principle that merit-based promotions can include candidates from reserved categories who have already accelerated promotions and should be eligible for unreserved vacancies when based on merit. They argue that the interpretation adopted by the Kerala High Court misconstrues Supreme Court jurisprudence, and that review jurisdiction is warranted to correct this misreading.

Contentions of Respondents

The Railways’ counsel submits that there is no ground for review, pointing to the court’s prior reasoning and the pendency of a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court. They emphasize that the review petition raises questions of interpretation rather than errors apparent on the face of the record. They stress that the judgment aligns with Supreme Court principles and that the petitioners’ challenge is an attempt to re-litigate issues already concluded. They also highlight that the SLP against the judgment is pending before the Supreme Court, which should be allowed to resolve the matter.

Cited Precedents (1)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Ajit Singh Januja and Others v. State of Punjab(1996) 2 SCC 715PositiveThe court states that the common judgment’s finding is in tune with the Supreme Court’s view as articulated in Ajit Singh Januja and Others v. State of Punjab.

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Extracted Judgment Text

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## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE GOPINATH P.** **FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF NOVEMBER 2021 / 28TH KARTHIKA, 1943** **RP NO. 467 OF 2021** **(TO REVIEW THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.01.2021 IN OP (CAT) 149/2020 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM)** ## **REVIEW PETITIONER/PETITIONERS IN OP(CAT):** - **1 M.DHINU RAKESH, AGED 37 YEARS LOCO PILOT (SHUNTING) II, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, NAGARCOIL-629 002.** - **2 ANAND RAYIPUDI, LOCO PILOT (SHUNTING) II CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, NAGARCOIL-629 002.** - **3 S.JAYAKUMAR, LOCO PILIOT (SHUNTING) II, CCRC OFFICE SOUTHERN RAILWAY, NAGARCOIL-629 002.** **BY ADVS. SRI.PREMCHAND R.NAIR SRI.K.MANICKARAJ** ## **RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS IN OP(CAT):** **1 SAM DIVANNI, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDINGA T AMBIYAYAM, NORTH ARYAD P.O., ALAPPUZHA-688 538.** **2 B.AJIKRISHNAN, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE,SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT DEVARAGAM, VALIYAKULANGARA, OCHIRA-690 526.** ## **3 G.VINOD,** :2: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT DAKSHINA, NEDUMGOLAM, PARAVUR, KOLLAM-691 334.** - **4 M.S.SANTHOSH KUMAR,** - **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT SANTHOSH BAHVAN, PERAYAM, MULAVANA, KOLLAM-691 503.** - **5 R.RAVIKUMAR, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT CHEMPAKAM, KARIPOOR, MALAYINKEEZHU, TRIVANDRUM-695 571.** - **6 S.MANOJKUMAR, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT ARCHANA, NEDUNGOLAM P.O., PARAVOOR, KOLLAM-691 334.** - **7 T.A.SAFEER, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT THANDIYAKKADA HOUSE, ELOOR NORTH, UDYOGAMANDAL, ERNAKULAM-683 501.** ## **8 K.ANILKUMAR,** - **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT KRISHNAVENI, ALANCHERI, YEROOR P.O., KOLLAM-691 312.** - **9 G.KOSHOR KUMAR,** - **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT REJNINI HOUSE, CHAMPAKARA, KARUKACHAL, KOTTAYAM-686 540.** - **10 K.B.VENU GOPALAN, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN** :3: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 **RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT CHENRANALLOR, NEAR SOUTH BADA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, ERNAKULAM-683 544.** - **11 B.ANILKUMAR, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT GOURI NANDANAN, MUNDANCHIRA, KOLLAM-691 014.** - **12 PRADEEP G.KUMAR, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT KUMBUKATTU KIZHAKKETHIL, CHOORAKODE P.O., ADOOR-691 551.** - **13 R.MAHESH KUMAR, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT SHIVAMUNDRA, HANUMANKOIL STREET, SOUTH CHITTOOR, KOCHI-682 027.** - **14 P.S.SURALAL,** - **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT THANIVILA HOUSE, ERAM, KARANCODE P.O., KOLLAM-691 579.** - **15 R.MADHUSOODANAN,** - **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT AJAYANIVAS, KUNNATHALUMMOODU, KAYAMKULAM-690 502.** - **16 JOHNY THOMAS, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT MUTTOM BAZAR, KOTTUPPALLY HOUSE, CHERTHALA-688 524.** - **17 N.V.GIREESH KUMAR,** - **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT NIRAPATH KIZHAKETHARA, MUVATTUPUZHA-686 661.** :4: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 - **18 GIRISH BABU,** - **SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT PARAYIL HOUSE, KUMARANELLOOR, KOTTAYAM-686 016.** - **19 P.BIJU, SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT BIJU BHAVAN, CHERTHALA-688 524.** - **20 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY, MIN. OF RAILWAYS, RAIL BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 011.** - **21 THE GENERAL MANAGER, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, HEADQUARTERS OFFICER, PARK TOWN, P.O. CHENNAI-600 003.** - **22 THE SENIOR DIVISIONAL PERSONAL OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM DIVISION, TRIVANDRUM-695 014.** **BY ADV SRI.S.RADHAKRISHNAN,SC,SENIOR PANEL,RAILWAYS, SMT.ANJALI R, SC SRI.HARIKUMAR G.NAIR** **THIS REVIEW PETITION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.11.2021, ALONG WITH RP.468/2021, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** :5: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE GOPINATH P.** **FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF NOVEMBER 2021 / 28TH KARTHIKA,** **1943** **RP NO. 468 OF 2021** **(TO REVIEW THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.01.2021 IN OP (CAT) 102/2020 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM)** **REVIEW PETITIONERS/RESPONDENTS 20 TO 22 IN OP(CAT):** **1 M.DHINU RAKESH AGED 37 YEARS** **LOCO PILOT (SHUNTING-II), CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, NAGERCOIL - 629 002.** - **2 ANAND RAYIPUDI LOCO PILOT (SHUNTING-II), CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, NAGERCOIL - 629 002.** - **3 S.JAYAKUMAR,** **LOCO PILOT (SHUNTING-II), CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, NAGERCOIL - 629 002.** **BY ADVS. SRI.PREMCHAND R.NAIR SRI.K.MANICKARAJ** **RESPONDENTS/PETITIONERS 1 TO 3 AND RESPONDENTS 1 TO 19** :6: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 - & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 ## **OP(CAT):** - **1 SAM DIVANNI SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM RESIDING AT AMBIYAYAM, NORTH ARYAD P.O., ALAPPUZHA - 688 538.** - **2 B.AJIKRISHNAN SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT DEVARAGAM, VALIYAKULANGARA, OCHIRA - 690 526.** - **3 G.VINOD SENIOR ASST.LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT DAKSHINA, NEDUMGOLAM, PARAVUR, KOLLAM - 691 334.** - **4 M.S.SANTHOSH KUMAR SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT SANTHOSH BHAVAN, PERAYAM, MULAVANA, KOLLAM - 691 503.** - **5 R.RAVIKUMAR SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT CHEMPAKAM, KARIPOOR, MALAYINKEEZHU, TRIVANDRUM - 695 571.** - **6 S.MANOJKUMAR SENIOR ASST., LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT ARCHANA, NEDUNGOLAM P.O., PARAVOOR, KOLLAM - 691 334.** - **7 T.A.SAFEER** :7: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 **SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT THANDIYAKKADA HOUSE, ELOOR NORTH, UDYOGAMANDAL, ERNAKULAM - 683 501.** - **8 K.ANILKUMAR** - **SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT KRISHNAVENI, ALANCHERI, YEROOR P.O., KOLLAM - 691 312.** - **9 G.KISHOR KUMAR** - **SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT RENJINI HOUSE, CHAMPAKARA, KARUKACHAL, KOTTAYAM - 686 540.** - **10 K.B.VENU GOPALAN** - **SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT CHERANALLOR, NEAR SOUTH NADA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, ERNAKULAM - 683 544.** ## **11 B.ANILKUMAR** - **SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT GOURI NANDANAN, MUNDANCHIRA, KOLLAM - 691 014.** - **12 PRADEEP G.KUMAR SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT KUMBUKATTU KIZHAKKETHIL, CHOORAKODE P.O., ADOOR - 691 551.** ## **13 R.MAHESH KUMAR SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN** :8: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 **RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM RESIDING AT SHIVAMUDRA, HANUMANKOIL STREET, SOUTH CHITTOOR, KOCHI - 682 027.** ## **14 P.S.SURALAL** - **SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT THANNIVILA HOUSE, ERAM, KARANCODE P.O., KOLLAM - 691 579.** - **15 R.MADHUSOODANAN SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT AJAYANIVAS, KUNNATHALUMMOODU, KAYAMKULAM - 690 502.** - **16 JOHNY THOMAS SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT MUTTOM BAZAR, KOTTUPPALLY HOUSE, CHERTHALA -688 524.** ## **17 N.V.GIREESH KUMAR** - **SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, RESIDING AT NIRAPATH KIZHAKKETHARA, MUVATTUPUZHA -686 661.** - **18 GIRISH BABU SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM, PARAYIL HOUSE, KUMARANELLOOR, KOTTAYAM -686 016.** - **19 P.BIJU SENIOR ASST. LOCO PILOT, CCRC OFFICE, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM RESIDING AT BIJU BHAVAN, CHERTHALA - 688 524.** :9: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 - **20 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY, MIN. OF RAILWAYS, RAIL BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 011,** - **21 THE GENERAL MANAGER, SOUTHERN RAILWAY, HEAD QUARTERS OFFICE, PARK TOWN P.O., CHENNAI - 600 003.** - **22 THE SENIOR DIVISIONAL PERSONNEL OFFICER SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TRIVANDRUM DIVISION, TRIVANDRUM - 695 014.** **BY ADV SRI.S.RADHAKRISHNAN,SC,SENIOR PANEL,RAILWAYS SMT.ANJALI R, SRI.HARIKUMAR G.NAIR** **THIS REVIEW PETITION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.11.2021, ALONG WITH RP.467/2021, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** :10: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 ## **O R D E R** ## **Gopinath P., J.** These Review Petitions have been filed seeking a review of the common judgment OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 and OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020. Sri.Manickaraj, the learned counsel appearing for the review petitioners would contend that the observation in the judgment that reserved category candidates cannot be considered for promotion in unreserved posts in the higher category is completely against the law laid down by the Supreme Court. We notice that the judgment sought to be reviewed has taken the view that when promotion is solely on the basis of merit even reserved category candidates, who got accelerated promotion can be considered against unreserved vacancies as well. We do not see this finding of this Court to be against any law laid down by the Supreme Court and in fact, we find that it is completely in tune with the view taken by the Supreme Court in _**Ajit Singh Januja and**_ :11: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 _**Others v. State of Punjab [(1996) 2 SCC 715].**_ Despite the very vehement arguments on behalf of the review petitioners by Sri.Manickaraj, we are not inclined to exercise review jurisdiction, for we do not see any ground made out for the exercise of such jurisdiction. Further it is the submission of the learned counsel appearing for the Railways that a Special Leave Petition has already been preferred by the Railway against the judgment of this Court and that the same is pending consideration of the Supreme Court. These Review Petitions must, therefore, fail. The Review Petitions will stand dismissed. Sd/- ## **A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR JUDGE** Sd/- **GOPINATH P. JUDGE** mns :12: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 ## **APPENDIX OF RP 467/2021** ## **PETITIONER ANNEXURE** ## **Annexure A** **TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON JUDGMENT IN OP(CAT) NOS.3791 OF 2012, 100 OF 2017, 145 OF 2017, 144 OF 2017 AND 175 OF 2017 DATED 26.07.2018.** ## **RESPONDENTS EXHIBITS:NIL** **//TRUE COPY//** **P.A TO JUDGE** :13: R.P.No.467 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.149 of 2020 & R.P.No.468 of 2021 in OP(CAT) No.102 of 2020 ## **APPENDIX OF RP 468/2021** ## **PETITIONER ANNEXURE** ## **Annexure A** **TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON JUDGMENT IN OP(CAT) NO.100 OF 2017, 145 OF 2017,144 OF 2017 AND 175 OF 2017 DATED 26.07.2018** **RESPONDENTS EXHIBITS:NIL** **//TRUE COPY//** **P.A TO JUDGE**