SUNNY GEORGE Vs. KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners are Assistant Executive Engineers (Civil) in the Kerala State Electricity Board. They are Engineering Diploma holders. According to the petitioners, as per the special rules, for promotion to the post of Executive Engineer, a ratio of 19:1 among Assistant Executive Engineers is prescribed as between degree holders and diploma holders. The petitioners would submit that the cadre strength of Executive Engineers is 49 and therefore, there should at least be two Diploma holder Executive Engineers in service. But there are no Executive Engineers having diploma qualification, is their contention. Therefore, the quota prescribed by the special rules is not satisfied. According to the petitioners, they are eligible for promotion as Executive Engineers in the quota prescribed for diploma holders and their claim is entitled to be considered accordingly. The petitioners have filed Exts.P1 and P2 representations before the Chief Engineer (HRM) in that regard. They seek a direction to the 2nd respondent to dispose of Exts.P1 and P2 expeditiously.

(2.) I have heard the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the Kerala State Electricity Board also.

(3.) Having heard both sides, I dispose of this writ petition with a direction to the 2nd respondent-Chief Engineer (HRM) of the Kerala State Electricity Board to consider and pass orders on Exts.P1 and P2 representations, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment, after affording an opportunity of being heard to the petitioners.