M.V. KURUVILA Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The seniority struggle among the Rangers recruited from four sources forms the subject matter of this writ petition. Though the briefs are big, the papers voluminous and the fight bitter, the factual matrix and the legal conflicts can be profitably condensed. In Travancore - Cochin, Rangers were appointed only by direct recruitment. The rule in Madras was to appoint Rangers from four sources: Forest Apprentices, trained foresters, untrained foresters and trained ministerial staff. The quota fixed for these four groups was in the ratio of 10:5:4:1. The Madras Rule was found more beneficial and was made applicable to the Kerala Forest Department.

(2.) The petitioner who started service In the Travancore - Cochin State in 1961 was appointed as a Ranger on 1st November 1961 along with one Sundaresan. Respondents 3 to 8 are direct recruits. 3rd respondent was appointed on 1st November 1961. Respondents 4 to 8 were appointed in November 1962. Respondents 9 to 13 were Foresters undergoing training in Rangers' Course. Respondents 9 to 12 were appointed with effect from 1st November 1962 and the 13th respondent on 28th January 1964.

(3.) Though the petitioner has raised various contentions in the Original Petition and the reply affidavits filed by him, the short question highlighted before me now is that since he was posted to a substantive vacancy on 1st November 1961, his seniority should be reckoned from that date.