PRIYANKA SHARMA M R Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Junior Advocates of the State of Kerala are benefited by "Advocates Grant", under the aegis of the Backward Classes Development Department - of which the 2nd respondent is the Director, which was commenced in the year 2012-13, whereby, an amount of Rs.12,000.00 per year is given to eligible candidates for a period of three consecutive years. The petitioner says that, though notification under the Scheme had been published by the competent Authority of the Government in year 2021, no such was issued for the years 2022 or 2023; thus constraining her to approach this Court because, she is now being denied valuable assistance, solely on account of such omission. She thus prays that respondents be directed to issue a notification under the "Scheme" for the years 2022 and 2023; and thus favour eligible candidates, including her, with the benefits thereunder.

(2.) This Court is aware that the matter had been considered earlier on 25/10/2023, on which day, the learned Government Pleader sought time to obtain instructions as to why the notifications under the "Scheme" has not been published in the years 2022 and 2023.

(3.) Today, Sri.Sunil Kumar Kuriakose - learned Government Pleader, conceded that, under the "Scheme", notifications are to be issued every year because, it is a continuing financial assistance for a consecutive three year period, to a deserving candidate. He submitted that, therefore, if this Court is so inclined, the competent Authority can consider the issuance of notification for the years 2022 and 2023; however, praying that no affirmative declarations be made in favour of the petitioner.