P.V. THANKACHAN Vs. COIR BOARD AND ANOTHER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Appeal is filed challenging the judgment of the learned Single Judge dated 20.01.2014 disposing of W.P.(C).No.27848 of 2008. The appellant, an unsuccessful candidate at a selection to the post of Liaison Officer of the first respondent, Coir Board, had filed the writ petition challenging the selection and appointment of the 2nd respondent.

(2.) As per Ext.P1 Notification dated 05.05.2008, the first respondent had invited applications for appointment through direct recruitment to the post of Liaison Officer in their service. The qualification prescribed was "Graduate with adequate experience in Central Secretariat". Though the Notification stipulated a concession regarding age, since there is no dispute with respect to the said aspect, we do not want to go into the said question. Pursuant to the Notification, it is stated that there were seven applicants. Out of the said persons, only three persons were called for the interview as per Ext.P4 dated 07.07.2008. The interview was conducted on 04.08.2008. After the interview, a Rank List was prepared, in which the 2nd respondent was Ranked as No. 1 and selected. The appellant, who was Rank No. 2, was not selected. He, thereupon filed the writ petition, challenging the selection and appointment of the 2nd respondent.

(3.) According to the appellant, he is a person, who has got long experience in the Central Secretariat and thereafter in the Coir Board also. His experience is set out in Ext.P3. In comparison, the 2nd respondent has experience only as a 'Group D employee' on contract basis. Placing reliance on Exts.P7 and P8 documents it was contended that the experience of the 2nd respondent was only for a limited period of 4 months. For the above reasons, it was contended that the selection and appointment was bad and liable to be interfered with by this Court.