High Court of KeralaDivision Bench2019-04-08Disposed of

W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016

Case / Petition Number:WA 1011 of 2019

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: V. Chitambaresh
A. M. Babu
Judgment Date: 2019-04-08
Court Decision / Holding: The writ appeal and writ petitions are disposed of. The KSRTC is directed to relieve empanelled drivers on or before 30.4.2019, noting that a week's time is required to complete the exercise and the 23.4.2019 polling. KSRTC may request PSC to advise candidates from the ranked list for vacancies already reported; appointment, if any, shall be in accordance with seniority in advice. The court clarifies that KSRTC must not operate with empanelled drivers when PSC-ranked candidates are ready to join. Regularisation claims, if any, pending before other forums, are not foreclosed.
Final Disposition: Disposed of

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

Venugopal R
Premkumar K.P.
Anil Kumar C.P.
Santhosh T.S.

Respondents

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) represented by its Chairman and Managing Director
The Chairman and Managing Director, KSRTC
Kerala Public Service Commission represented by its Secretary
The Chairman, Kerala Public Service Commission
State of Kerala represented by the Secretary to Government, Transport Department
District Transport Officer, KSRTC (for WP(C).21365/2016)

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

• Dr. K.P. Satheesan (Sr.)
• Anoop V. Nair
• M.R. Jayaprasad
• P. Mohandas (Ernakulam)
• Siddharth Krishnan
• S.Vibheeshanan
• S. Manu
• A. Kumar (various)

Counsels for Respondents

• M. Gopikrishnan Nambiar (SC)
• P.C. Sasidharan (SC)
• Antony Mukkath (GP)
• T.P. Sajan (SC)
• P.C. Sasidharan (SC)

Case Synopsis & Summary

This High Court of Kerala deal with the retention of empanelled KSRTC drivers beyond 180 days in violation of Rule 9(2) Part II KS & SSR, and the consequent need to relieve them so that PSC-ranked candidates can be advised for vacancies already reported. Relying on Antony Stejo v State of Kerala, the court reiterates that empanelled personnel cannot overstay and must yield to PSC process, while recognizing KSRTC’s discretionary choice to fill vacancies on germane grounds and subject to financial and operational considerations. The judgment traces to Annie v. Commissioner, Chalakudy Municipality (1984 KLT 170) and Vimala Kumari v. State (1994(2) KLT 47), approving the principle that PSC should be engaged for vacancies and that vacancies must be filled from a ranked list where reported. It also cites KSRTC v. Akhilesh and others (Civil Appeal No.3346/2019) to emphasize the need for valid reasons in filling existing vacancies and to avoid undue reliance on empanelled lists. The court states that about 1565 empanelled drivers are affected and directs KSRTC to relieve them by 30.4.2019, but permits KSRTC to request PSC to advise from the ranked list for vacancies already reported, with appointments following seniority. Regularisation claims of empanelled personnel are preserved.

Provisions of Law Cited

Rule 9(2) Part II KS and SSRRule 9(a)(i) Part II KS and SSRRule 9(3) Part II KS and SSRRule 9(3)(iii) Part II KS and SSR

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

Temporary emergency appointments under Rule 9(a)(i) are permissible but limited to 180 days and not to bypass PSC advisement
Empanelled drivers cannot overstay in posts; vacancies must be advised by PSC for filling
Discretion to fill existing vacancies lies with KSRTC for valid and germane reasons, subject to PSC cooperation
Canonical principles from Annie v. Commissioner, Chalakudy Municipality (1984 KLT 170) and Vimala Kumari v. State (1994(2) KLT 47) approving PSC-led recruitment; Antony Stejo v State of Kerala (2019(1) KHC 613(DB)) and KSRTC v. Akhilesh and others (Civil Appeal No.3346/2019) guide the balancing of discretion with PSC process

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contended that empanelled KSRTC drivers exceeded 180 days in violation of Rule 9(2) KS & SSR and that vacancies must be advised by the PSC from the ranked list published by PSC. They urged relief directing the KSRTC to relieve empanelled drivers by 30.4.2019 and to seek PSC advisement for vacancies already reported, with appointments made strictly by seniority in the advice; they argued regularisation claims should not be foreclosed by such relief.

Contentions of Respondents

The KSRTC emphasized discretion in filling vacancies, citing financial constraints and the need to balance bus/ passenger ratios; it urged that filling vacancies may be deferred if PSC advisement is impracticable. The PSC, while supporting the PSC mechanism, emphasized that vacancies reported must be advised via the ranked list, and that appointments must follow seniority. The Government and transport department underscored administrative exigencies and the need to maintain public transport services, while not endorsing unrewarded retention of empanelled personnel beyond the prescribed period.

Cited Precedents (4)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
Antony Stejo and others v. State of Kerala	2019(1) KHC 613(DB)	Positive	Court relies on the Antony Stejo ruling to hold empanelled employees cannot overstay and must yield to PSC advisement; dictum applied to drivers as well as conductors.
Annie v. Commissioner, Chalakudy Municipality	1984 KLT 170	Positive	Noted as settled law later approved by Vimala Kumari; emphasizes PSC involvement in filling vacancies.
Vimala Kumari v. State	1994(2) KLT 47	Positive	Full Bench approval of Annie principle; supports discretionary filling of vacancies and PSC guidance.
KSRTC v. Akhilesh and others	Civil Appeal No.3346/2019	Positive	Cited to support that filling vacancies must be for valid, germane reasons and not solely rely on empanelled lists.

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 W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 and instantly map out authorities that support, challenge, or govern your position.

Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.CHITAMBARESH** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.M.BABU MONDAY, THE 08TH DAY OF APRIL 2019 / 18TH CHAITHRA, 1941 WA.No. 1011 of 2019** **RP 624/2015 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA** ## **APPELLANTS/RESPONDENTS 1 TO 4/PETITIONERS IN WPC** - **1 VENUGOPAL R AGED 45 YEARS THEKKE PANDOTH HOUSE, ERAMALLOOR P.O., CHERTHALA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT-688 537.** - **2 PREMKUMAR K.P. IRUPATHILCHIRA, KAITHAVANAM, SANATHANAPURAM P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT-688 003.** - **3 ANIL KUMAR C.P. CHAKKAMURI HOUSE, EDAVANAKKAD P.O., ERNAKULAM682 502.** - **4 SANTHOSH T.S. ETTITHARA HOUSE, KODANTHURUTH, KUTHIYATHODU P.O., CHERTHALA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT-688 533.** **BY ADVS. DR.K.P.SATHEESAN (SR.) SRI.K.SUDHINKUMAR SRI.MUHAMMED IBRAHIM ABDUL SAMAD SRI.P.MOHANDAS (ERNAKULAM) SRI.SABU PULLAN SRI.S.K.ADHITHYAN SRI.S.VIBHEESHANAN** ## **RESPONDENTS/REVIEW PETITIONERS & RESPONDENTS 5 AND 6 IN THE** **WPC** **1 KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 2 **DIRECTOR, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 023.** - **2 THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM695 023.** - **3 KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, P.S.C. OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004.** - **4 THE CHAIRMAN** **KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, P.S.C. OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004.** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** **SRI.T.P.SAJAN-SC, KSRTC, SRI. P.C.SASIDHARAN-SC,PSC, SRI. ANTONY MUKKATH-GP** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08.04.2019, ALONG WITH W.P.(C)NOS.25879/2014, 26476/2014, 2460/2015, 8214/2015, 17602/2016 AND 21365/2016, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 3 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.CHITAMBARESH** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.M.BABU** **MONDAY, THE 08TH DAY OF APRIL 2019 / 18TH CHAITHRA, 1941 WP(C).No. 25879 of 2014** ## **PETITIONERS** |**1**|**VENUGOPAL R**| |---|---| ||**THEKKE PANDOTH HOUSE, ERAMALLOOR P.O.,**| ||**CHERTHALA, ALAPPUZAH DISTRICT-688 537.**| |**2**|**PREMKUMAR K.P.**| ||**IRUPATHILCHIRA, KAITHAVANAM, SANATHANAPURAM**| ||**P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT-688 003.**| |**3**|**ANILKUMAR C.P.**| ||**CHAKKAMURI HOUSE, EDAVANAKKAD P.O., ERNAKULAM-**| ||**682 502.**| |**4**|**SANTHOSH T.S.**| ||**ETTITHARA HOUSE, KODANTHURUTH, KUTHIYATHODU**| ||**P.O., CHERTHALA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT-688 533.**| ||**BY ADVS.**| ||**DR.K.P.SATHEESAN (SR.)**| ||**SRI.ANOOP.V.NAIR**| ||**SRI.M.R.JAYAPRASAD**| ||**SRI.P.MOHANDAS (ERNAKULAM)**| ||**SRI.SIDDHARTH KRISHNAN**| ||**SRI.S.VIBHEESHANAN**| W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 4 ## **RESPONDENTS** - **1 KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 023.** - **2 THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION,TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 023.** - **3 KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, P.S.C. OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004.** - **4 THA CHAIRMAN KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION,P.S.C. OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004. BY ADVS. SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR, SC, KSRTC SRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08.04.2019, ALONG WITH WA.1011/2019, WP(C).21365/2016, WP(C).17602/2016, WP(C).8214/2015, WP(C).2460/2015, WP(C).26476/2014, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 5 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.CHITAMBARESH** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.M.BABU** **MONDAY, THE 08TH DAY OF APRIL 2019 / 18TH CHAITHRA, 1941 WP(C).No. 26476 of 2014** ## **PETITIONERS** |**1**|**RENJITH K**| |---|---| ||**KAITHAL HOUSE, ERAMANGALAM P.O., BALUSSERY**| ||**KOZHIKODE.**| |**2**|**SANTHOSH KUMAR C.V.**| ||**CHENICHERRY HOUSE, PERUMANNU, IRIKKOOR P.O.,**| ||**KANNUR.**| |**3**|**RAJESHKUMAR R.**| ||**CHANDRAVILASAM, CHATAHNNOORPUZHA, CHOORAKKODE**| ||**P.O., MANAKKALA, PATHANAMTHITTA.**| |**4**|**JIJIMON M.V.**| ||**MANNOOPPURAYIDATHIL HOSUE, THADIYAMPADU P.O.,**| ||**VAZHATHOPPU, IDUKKI.**| |**5**|**ANANDAKUMAR K.M.**| ||**KUZHIKANDATHIL, KANIPARAMBU P.O., MAVOOR,**| ||**KOZHIKODE.**| ||**BY ADV. SRI.S.MANU**| W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 6 ## **RESPONDENTS** |**1**|**THE KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION,**| |---|---| ||**REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING**| ||**DIRECTOR, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-23.**| |**2**|**THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR**| ||**KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION,**| ||**TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-**| ||**23.**| |**3**|**THE KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION**| ||**REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, P.S.C. OFFICE,**| ||**PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.**| |**4**|**THE SECRETARY**| ||**KERALA PUBLIC SERVIDCE COMMISSION, P.S.C.**| ||**OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.**| ||**BY ADV. SHRI.T.P SAJAN, SC, KERALA STATE ROAD**| ||**TRANSPORT CORPORATION - KSRTC**| ||**P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC**| **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08.04.2019, ALONG WITH W.A.1011/2019, WP(C).2460/2015, WP(C).8214/2015, WP(C).17602/2016, WP(C).21365/2016, WP(C).25879/2014, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 7 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.CHITAMBARESH** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.M.BABU** **MONDAY, THE 08TH DAY OF APRIL 2019 / 18TH CHAITHRA, 1941 WP(C).No. 2460 of 2015** ## **PETITIONERS** - **1 RANJITH K. S/O.DAMODHARAN, KAITHAL HOUSE, ERAMANJALAM P.O., BALUSSERY, KOZHIKODE.** - **2 NIDHEESH KUMAR, CHALIKKARA HOUSE KAYAPPILLY OLAVANNA P.O., KOZHIKODE** **BY ADVS. SRI.ANIL KUMAR M.SIVARAMAN SRI.B.M.SHA SRI.C.K.VARGHESEKUTTY** ## **RESPONDENTS** - **1 KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 023. REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR** - **2 THE CHAIRMAN KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM** 8 W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 - **695023** - **3 KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION P.S.C.OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 004, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY.** - **4 THE CHAIRMAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, P.S.C.OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695004** **BY ADV. SRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC SRI.T.P.SAJAN SC** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08.04.2019, ALONG WITH WA.1011/2019, WP(C).21365/2016, WP(C).17602/2016, WP(C).8214/2015, WP(C).26476/2014, WP(C).25879/2014, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 9 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.CHITAMBARESH** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.M.BABU** **MONDAY, THE 08TH DAY OF APRIL 2019 / 18TH CHAITHRA, 1941** ## **WP(C).No. 8214 of 2015** ## **PETITIONERS** |**1**|**ANIL KUMAR D.,**| |---|---| ||**S/O.P.K.DAMODARAN, OMOLIL PUTHEN VEEDU,**| ||**PUTHUPPALLY P.O., KAYAMKULAM, ALAPPUZHA - 690**| ||**527.**| |**2**|**SAJIKUMAR P.M. SO.R.MOHAN**| ||**PUTHENPURACKAL HOUSE, MUTHALIYARMADOM,**| ||**THODUPUZHA EAST P.O. 685 585**| |**3**|**GINU MON N.V**| ||**S/O.VELAYUDHAN, NEDIYAKANJIRATHINKAL HOUSE,**| ||**KODUVELY P.O., KODIKULAM, THODUPUZHA**| |**4**|**MR.KURIAKOSE.K.B SO.BABY K.P**| ||**KIZHAKKEL THEWATHUMOOLAYIL HOUSE, THEWGODE P.O.,**| ||**NAVODAYA**| |**5**|**MR.SUNIL.P.T**| ||**S/O.THAJUDEEN, ALAYELIL HOUSE, THALAYRLAPARAMBU**| ||**P.O., KOTAYAM DISTRICT**| |**6**|**MR.NISSAM.A**| ||**S/O.ABDUL LATHEEF, KANNADITHEKKATHIL, MEMANA**| ||**OCHIRA**| W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 10 - **7 SHIBU P.G. SO.GANGADHARAN PETTUPARAYIL, VANNAPPURAM P.O., THODUPUZHA** - **8 MR.REGI M.K. SO.KUMARAN MUPPATHIL CHIRA, KAVALAM P.O., ALLEPPEY, PIN - 688 524.** - **9 SATHYANESH .S SO.T.SUDHAKARAN PUTHANPURACKAL HOSUE, THALAYAZHAM P.O., VAIKOM, PIN - 686 607.** - **10 MR.BIJU SO.SUBHASH MALIKATHUDIVAYALIL, PUTHEN VEEDU, PALLIMUKKU, KOLLAM PIN - 691 010.** - **11 MR.E.RASHEED SO.EBRAHIMKUTTY PANACKAL KIZHAKKATHIL MEMANA, OCHIRA, PIN - 685 608.** - **12 MR.RENJITHKUMAR.G S/O.GOPALAKRISHNAN, NADUKALATHIL MANACKAL, P.O.THODUPUZHA PIN - 685 608.** **BY ADVS. SRI.ADARSH KUMAR SRI.BIJU VARGHESE ABRAHAM SRI.K.M.ANEESH SRI.K.SANTHOSH KUMAR (KALIYANAM)** ## **RESPONDENTS** - **1 KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695023.** - **2 THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 023.** - **3 THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, PATTOM, TRIVANDRUM - 695 004.** 11 W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 **BY ADVS.** **SHRI.T.P SAJAN, SC, KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION - KSRTC SRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08.04.2019, ALONG WITH WA.1011/2019, WP(C).21365/2016, WP(C).17602/2016, WP(C).2460/2015, WP(C).26476/2014, WP(C).25879/2014, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 12 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.CHITAMBARESH** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.M.BABU** **MONDAY, THE 08TH DAY OF APRIL 2019 / 18TH CHAITHRA, 1941** ## **WP(C).No. 17602 of 2016** ## **PETITIONERS** |**1**|**HARIDAS M.B**| |---|---| ||**AGED 44 YEARS**| ||**MANJIPARAMBIL HOUSE, VADANAPPALLY P O, THRISSUR**| ||**DISTRICT**| |**2**|**SHANIL N B**| ||**NEYYATH HOUSE, CHENGAMANAD P O, ALUVA, ERNAKULAM**| ||**DISTRICT**| |**3**|**NITHEESH KUMAR C**| ||**CHALIKKARA HOUSE, OLAVANNA P O, KOZHIKODE**| ||**DISTRICT**| |**4**|**SUNIL KUMAR T P**| ||**THYVALAPPIL HOUSE, PADIYAM P O, THRISSUR**| ||**DISTRICT.**| ||**BY ADVS.**| ||**DR.K.P.SATHEESAN (SR.)**| ||**SRI.K.SUDHINKUMAR**| ||**SRI.P.MOHANDAS (ERNAKULAM)**| ||**SRI.S.VIBHEESHANAN**| W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 13 ## **RESPONDENTS** - **1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695001** - **2 KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION. REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695023** - **3 THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM PIN 695023** - **4 KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESETNED BY ITS SECRETARY, P S C OFFICE , PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM PIN 695004** - **5 THE CHAIRMAN KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, P S C OFFICE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM PIN 695004** **BY ADVS.** - **SHRI.T.P SAJAN, SC, KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION - KSRTC SRI.P.C.SASIDHARAN, SC, KPSC GP SRI.ANTONY MUKKATH** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08.04.2019, ALONG WITH WA.1011/2019, WP(C).21365/2016, WP(C).8214/2015, WP(C).2460/2015, WP(C).26476/2014, WP(C).25879/2014, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 14 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.CHITAMBARESH** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.M.BABU** **MONDAY, THE 08TH DAY OF APRIL 2019 / 18TH CHAITHRA, 1941** ## **WP(C).No. 21365 of 2016** ## **PETITIONER** **SAYI K AGED ABOUT 51 YEARS, S/O. N.KUNJU KRISHNA PILLAI, IREYIL, KUNNUMPURATH HOUSE, KOLLA, PANUR P.O., PIN-695 023.** **BY ADV. SRI.K.P.JUSTINE (KARIPAT)** ## **RESPONDENTS** |**1**|**THE MANAGING DIRECTOR,**| |---|---| ||**KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION,**| ||**TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-**| ||**695 023.**| |**2**|**THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION)**| ||**KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION,**| ||**TRANSPORT BHAVAN, EAST FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-**| ||**695 023.**| |**3**|**THE DISTRICT TRANSPORT OFFICER**| ||**KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION,**| ||**NEDUMANGAD.**| W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 15 - **4 THE SECRETARY KERAL PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.** - **5 THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT. TRANSPORT (A) DEPARTMENT, SECRETARY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM** **BY ADV. SHRI.T.P SAJAN, SC, KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION - KSRTC P.C SASIDHARAN, SC ANTONY MUKKATH GP** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08.04.2019, ALONG WITH WA/1011/2019, WP(C).17602/2016, WP(C).8214/2015, WP(C).2460/2015, WP(C).26476/2014, WP(C).25879/2014, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 16 ## V. CHITAMBARESH & A.M. BABU, JJ. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ## W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 ## and ## W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Dated this the 8[th] day of April, 2019 ## Judgment ## Chitambaresh, J. 1. The empanelled conductors (who were overstaying beyond 180 days in violation of Rule 9(2) of Part II of KS and SSR) were directed to be relieved by this Court which was refused to be interfered with by the Supreme Court in S.L.P.(Civil) No.410/2019. The illegality in allowing such empanelled conductors to cling on to the post by the W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 17 KSRTC keeping the candidates in the ranked list of the PSC waiting has been highlighted in Antony Stejo and others v. State of Kerala [2019(1) KHC 613(DB)]. The above dictum applies on all fours to the fact situation in the present case and the only difference is that the empanelled drivers are allowed to continue even after the expiry of 180 days illegally whereas Antony Stejo 's case dealt with empanelled conductors. 2. We extract below paragraph 3 of the judgment in Antony Stejo 's case (supra): “3. True it is that the KSRTC may appoint a person otherwise than in accordance with the above Rules temporarily to fill up a vacancy in a post immediately owing to an emergency under Rule 9(a)(i) of Part II of KS and SSR. However one of the provisos therein stipulates that a person so appointed to a post 18 W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 (other than teaching post and another) shall not be allowed to continue in such post for a period exceeding 180 days. Rule 9(2) of Part II of KS and SSR mandates that such a person shall not be allowed to continue in service in preference to a candidate advised by the PSC. One of the provisos to Rule 9(3) of Part II of KS and SSR is categoric that a person discharged from service after the admissible period shall not be re-appointed to the same post. The appointing authority can do so only when fresh candidates are not available for appointment through Employment Exchange which shall be made with the concurrence of the PSC. Rule 9(3)(iii) of Part II of KS and SSR is specific that a person appointed under this clause shall be replaced as soon as possible by an approved candidate qualified to hold the post under the Rules.” 3. The expiry of the ranked list of the PSC dated 23.8.2012 is immaterial since it is conceded that 2455 vacancies in the post of drivers were reported by the KSRTC to the PSC much before the expiry of the ranked list on 31.12.2016 W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 19 pursuant to the interim order dated 30.6.2015. The law in this regard is settled by the decision in Annie v. Commissioner, Chalakudy Municipality [1984 KLT 170] as approved by the Full Bench of this Court in Vimala Kumari v. State [1994(2) KLT 47]. It is for the KSRTC to take a call as to whether the PSC should be requested to advise the candidates for the vacancies reported or to keep the vacancies unfilled in view of its financial position or a skewed bus to passenger ratio. It is entirely the discretion of the KSRTC whether to fill up the existing vacancies or not which has of course to be for valid and germane reasons as observed in KSRTC v. Akhilesh and others [Civil Appeal No.3346/2019]. But the empanelled drivers who are about 1565 in number cannot be permitted to overstay in the post illegally denying an opportunity to the KSRTC to request the PSC to advise the candidates for the vacancies already reported. W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 20 4. The writ appeal and the writ petitions are hence disposed of directing the KSRTC to relieve the empanelled drivers on or before 30.4.2019 taking note of the fact that a week's time is required to complete the exercise and the date of polling in Kerala is on 23.4.2019. We make it clear that the KSRTC is free to request the PSC to advise candidates from the ranked list for the vacancies already reported if it so desires and the appointment if any shall be in accordance with the seniority in advice. It is not as if the KSRTC is unaware of the law laid down by this Court repeatedly though a conscious attempt is made by them often to appease the trade unions by permitting empanelled employees to cling on. We however make it clear that the relieving of the empanelled drivers shall not affect their claim for regularisation if any pending before various forums in view of the submission of Mr K.P.Rajeevan, Advocate representing them. We caution that the KSRTC shall not operate with empanelled drivers W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 21 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 when those in the ranked list of the PSC are eager and willing to join duty if advised for appointment who have been kept on tenterhooks for long. The writ appeal and the writ petitions are disposed of. Sd/- V. CHITAMBARESH, JUDGE Sd/- A.M. BABU, JUDGE Mrcs-Sha/080419 W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 22 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 25879/2014** ## **EXHIBITS:** ## **EXHIBIT P1** **TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF THE RANKED LIST PUBLISHED IN PSC BULLATTIN DATED 1/9/2012.** **EXHIBIT P1(a) ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXT.P-1.** **EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 4/1/2013 IN WPC NO.29324/2012.** **EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY OBTAINED UNDER RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT DATED 20/5/2013.** - **EXHIBIT P3(a) ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXT.P-3** **EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY OBTAINED UNDER RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT DATED 29/8/2013.** **EXHIBIT P4(a) ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EXT.P-4** **EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 21/1/2014 IN WPC NO.24539/2013.** **EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 21/7/2014 IN COC NO.309/2014.** **EXHIBIT P7 CHART PREPARED BY THE PETITIONERS SHOWING THE PERMANENT VACANCIES AND EMPANELLED DRIVERS WORKING IN KSRTC DEPOTS DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2014.** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 23 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 26476/2014** **EXHIBITS:** **EXHIBIT P1** **TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY GIVEN BY THE IST RESPONDENT UNDER RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT.** **EXHIBIT P1(a) TRUE TRANSLATION OF EXT.P1.** **EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR DATED 2.4.2013.** **EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY DATED 29.8.2013 ISSUED TO MR. T.VINOD.** **EXHIBIT P3(a) TRUE TRANSLATION OF EXHIBIT P3.** **EXHIBIT P4 TABLE SHOWING THE INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM DEPOTS, UNDER THE RTI ACT.** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 24 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 2460/2015** **EXHIBITS:** **EXHIBIT P1** **TRUE COPYOF THE NOTIFICATION INVITING THE APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF RESERVE DRIVER** **EXHIBIT P2** **TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 4/1/13 IN WP(C) NO.29324/2012 PASSED BY THIS HON'BLE COURT** **EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 21.1.2014 IN WP(C) 24539/13 ON THE FILE OF THIS HON'BLE COURT** **EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF THE COUNTER FILED IN THE WP(C) NO.25879/14 BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT** **EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE CHART HAS BEEN PREPARED, INFORMATION OBTAINED UNDER RTI ACT FROM ALL THE 90 K.S.R.T.C DEPOTS** **EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION PUBLISHED ON 26.12.2014** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 25 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 8214/2015** ## **PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:** **EXHIBIT P1 P1- TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PORTION OF THE RANK LIST NO.RL 357/2012 DATED 23.8.2012** **EXHIBIT P2 P2-TRUE COPY OF THE INFORMATIONS OBTAINED UNDER RIGHT TO INORMATION ACT FROM 88 DEPOTS IN KERALA EXHIBIT P3 P3-TRUE COPY OF THE GAZETTE NOTIFICATION DATED 14.5.2010 EXHIBIT P4 P3(A)- TRUE COPY OF THE GAZETTE NOTIFICATION DATED 29.5.2009 EXHIBIT P5 P4- TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILS OF THE ADVICE MEMO ISSUED BY 3RD RESPONDENT** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 26 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 17602/2016** ## **EXHIBITS:** ## **P1** **TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF THE RANKED LIST IN CATEGORY NO 196/2010 PUBLISHED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT** **P2 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DTD 4/1/2013 IN WPC NO 29324/2012 P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY OBTAINED UNDER RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT DTD 20/5/2013 P4 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY GIVEN UNDER RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT DTD 29/8/2013 P5 TRUE COY OF THE JUDGMENT DTD 21/1/2014 IN WPC NO 24539/2013 P6 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DTD 21/7/2014 IN COC NO 309/2014 P7 CHART PPREPARED BY THE PETITIONERS** **CHART PPREPARED BY THE PETITIONERS SHOWING THE PERMANENT VACANCIES AND EMPANELLED DRIVERS WORKING IN KSRTC, DEPOTS DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2014** **P8** **TRUE COPY OF ONE SUCB ORDER IN THE CASE OF CONDUCTORS IN KSRTC PASSED BY THIS HON'BLE COURT DTD 14/12/2001 IN CMP NO 62078/2001 IN OP NO 37878/2001** **P9** **TRUE COPY OF ORDER DTD 25/1/2002 IN CMP NO 4222/2002 IN OP NO 37878/2001** W.A.No.1011 of 2019, W.P(C)Nos.25879 & 26476 of 2014, W.P(C)Nos.2460 & 8214 of 2015 and W.P(C)Nos.17602 & 21365 of 2016 27 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 21365/2016** ## **EXHIBIT:** **P1** **TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGE NO. 610 OF THE SAID RANK LIST IN WHICH PETITIONERS NAME IS INCLUDED AS RANK NO. 21916.** /True Copy/ P.S.To Judge