Holding

Once the main rank list is exhausted, the supplementary list has no survival of its own and cannot be used to make appointments that would breach the 50% reservation ceiling.

Summary

The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) prepared a main rank list of 177 candidates and a supplementary list of 62 reserved‑category candidates for Sub‑Engineer posts in the State Electricity Board. After 20 candidates (including open‑category and reserved‑category) failed to join, the KPSC refused to advise appointments from the supplementary list, arguing that once the main list was exhausted the supplementary list ceased to exist, lest the 50% reservation ceiling be breached. The Kerala High Court directed the KPSC to fill the vacancies from the supplementary list, and the Division Bench upheld that direction despite acknowledging the 50% limit. The Supreme Court held that the supplementary list has no independent existence after the main list is exhausted, and the High Court erred in allowing appointments that would exceed the statutory 50% reservation ceiling, though it did not disturb appointments already made. The appeals were allowed, confirming that only the main list governs appointments and the 50% rule must be respected.

Issues considered

Whether petitioners are entitled to appointment from the supplementary list after the main rank list has been exhausted.
Whether the High Court could permit appointments that would cause the reservation percentage to exceed the statutory 50% limit.

Legislation cited

Constitution of Indias. Article 16(4), s. Article 16(48)
Kerala Public Service Commission Rules of Procedures. Rule 12, s. Rule 13, s. Rule 2(g), s. Rule 4
Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1958s. Rule 13, s. Rule 14, s. Rule 15, s. Rule 15(c), s. Rule 16, s. Rule 17

Subjects

reservationservice lawKerala Public Service Commissionsupplementary listmain list exhaustion50% reservation ceilingArticle 16non‑joining dutypublic interest litigation

Judgment

NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY A
v.
DISTT. OFFICER, KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
AND ORS.

NOVEMBER I7, 2003
B
[V.N. KHARE CJ., S.B. SINHA AND DR. AR. LAKSHMANAN, JJ.]

Service Law:

Kera/a State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1958-Rules 15 to 17- C
Constitution of India, 1950-Article 16(4)-Appointment of Sub-Engineers
in State Electricity Board-Rules providing reservation including carry
forward of vacancy not exceeding 50% and that every alternate appointment
is for open competition (merit) and every succeeding alternate appointment
for reserved candidates-State Public Service Commission preparing rank D
list and also separate supplementary list recommending 239 names, 177
from main rank list and 62 from supplementary list-For getting reserved
candidates, candidates I to 18 recommended from supplementary list of
Muslims-Others not advised since main list got exhausted-20 candidates
comprising of I I from open competition, 3 SCs, 3 OBC and 3 Muslims not
joining duty-19th candidate in Muslim supplementary list claiming E
appointment to one of the vacancies of Muslims, along with similar other
writ petitioners-High Court directing Commission to advise candidu.ie
from supplementary list-In writ appeals Division Bench holding that once
main list got exhausted supplementary list also automatically gets
extinguished-However, High Court directed appointment from F
supplementary list-Correctness of-Held: Candidates not entitled to
appointment based on supplementary list since that would exceed percentage
of reservation beyond 50% against statutory protection violating 50:50
rule-However, appointments made pursuant to order of High Court not to
be disturbed
G
State Public Service Commission selects candidate for appointment in
Government service for which Rules of Reservation laid down in Kerala State
and Subordinate Service Rules, 1959 have to be followed. Rules IS to 17
provide for 50% reservation in the aggregate for SC, ST 11nd OBCs; and

551 H
552 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A that every alternate appointment is for open competition (merit) and succeeding
alternate appointment for reserved candidate.

State Electricity Board sought preparation of a select list for
appointment of Sub Engineers. State Public Service Commission prepared a
rank list of 177 and also prepared separate supplementary lists. Commission
B advised in all 239 names, drawing 177 names from the main rank list and 62
names from the supplementary list. For reservation candidates Commission
advised names of candidate nos.I to 18 from among the supplementary list
for Muslims. Commission could not advise further names from supplementary
list as the main rank list got exhausted. Out of 89 candidates advised, 20
C candidates comprising of eleven from open competition, three SC's, three
OBCs and three Muslims did not join duty. These non-joining duty (NJD)
vacancies were reported to the Commission but no advice was made.
Thereafter, candidate No.19 in the Muslim supplementary list filed a writ
petition claiming appointment to one of these NJD vacancies of Muslims being
the next candidate in the Muslim supplementary list. Commission contended
D before the High Court that as the main rank list stood exhausted by advising
the last of the candidates included therein. the supplementary list of
reservation candidates also ceased to be in force as otherwise rule of 50:50
would stand violated. Single Judge of High Court allowed the petition and
directed the Commission to advise names of candidates to NJD vacancies.
E Commission then filed writ appeals. Division Bench of the High Court
dismissed the appeals and directed that the petitioners in the original petition
would be entitled to appointment based on the supplementary list despite its
holding that once the main list got extinguished the supplementary list also
automatically gets extinguished. Thereafter, the Commission implemented the
decision of High Court and did not file any appeal against the order; therefore,
F the present appellant-Society has filed instant appeals in public interest.

Appellant contended that by the impugned judgment the backward turns
alone are to be filled in whereas Rule 14 lays down that the open category
turn is to be filled in first and then the backward turns; that the procedures
indicates that in order to workout the rotation open competition candidates
G would also be available; that Rule 15 provides that in no year reservation
including carry forward of vacancies to a category of post shall exceed 50%
of the total number of vacancies for which by direct recruitment is resorted
to in that year and the direction in the impugned judgment violates this
provision; that the Commission has fixed the life of a ran~ list under its power
H to regulate the procedure for selections and the procedure followed is that
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY v. DIST_ OFFICER, KERALA PUBLIC SER\1CECOMMISSION 553
once the main list is exhausted the supplementary list has no survival on its A
own; that the Division Bench has not given any valid or good ground for taking
the view that NJD vacancies can be filled up by candidates included in the
supplementary list even if the main list is exhausted or expired; and that the
supplementary list cannot be acted upon and the respondents would not be
entitled to any reliefs.
B
Respondent contended that though the Commission contended before the
High Court that the supplementary list has no independent existence after
the exhaustion of the main list, it has not preferred any special leave petition
before this Court and has decided to implement the order passed by the
Division Bench of the High Court. C
Disposing of the appeals, the Court

HELD: Per Lakshmanan, J. (jar himself and CJ!):

1. Once the main list is exhausted, the supplementary list has no survival
of its own. Therefore High Court is not correct in its conclusion that the D
respondents would be entitled to appointment based on the supplementary list
and also it cannot exceed percentage of reservation beyond 50% against the
statutory protection. However, appointments already made pursuant to the
impugned judgment are not disturbed. [560-C-D; 562-C]

2.1. It is well-settled principle of law that the Court should not substitute E
the provision of a statute by its own decision. In the instant case, the impugned
judgment ignored the provisions of statutory rules to substitute the (fecision
in that place. [562-GI

2.2. Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1959 lays down the F
principle of reservation under Article 16(4) of the Constitution and the
procedure to be followed in giving effect to the reservation for SC, ST and
OBC in the State. Rule 15 refers to the integrated cycle of rotation and the
procedure to be adopted in selections where any candidate may become
available for recruitment from the reserved group. It lays down the p!"inciple
of limitatfon of percentage of reservation including the carry forward which G
shall not exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies for which selection by
direct recruitment to that category is resorted to in that year.
[562-H; 563-A-B[

2.3. The statutory rules envisage making a rank list defined in Rule
2(g) of KPSC Rules of Procedure. Rules 14-17 do not contemplate making a H
554 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A supplementary list Therefore, the supplementary list prepared by KPSC to
satisfy the rules of reservation has no statutory backing. Thus when the main
list is exhausted or expired, supplementary list cannot be allowed to operate.
If the supplementary list alone is allowed to operate it would amount to giving
greater sanctity to it and long life than the main list prepared in accordance
B with the Rules. It would violate the first proviso to Rule 15(c) of the General
Rules since the NJD vacancies in respect ofOBC candidates cannot be filled
up after the expiry or exhaustion of the main list and only reserved candidates
can be advised from the supplementary list which would violate 50% rule as
no OC Category candidates could be advised. Furthermore, the reason given
by the Div.ision Bench that if any NJD vacancy arises in the OC category, the
C same could be tilled up in the next batch of appointment thereby, the rights of
OC candidates can very well be protected without any violation of the proviso
to Rule 15 is not legally acceptable. This reasoning is, equally acceptable to
NJD vacancies which arise in the reserved categories as well. By advising
candidates from the supplementary list, without any opportunity of balancing
the advise with an open competition candidate the consequence would have
D been a violation of 50:50 rule with excess reservation over 50% in the year
in favour of the reserved candidates. (563-E-H; 564-A-Bl

2.4. The normal period for which the list is to remain in force is one
year from the date on which it is brought into force, but it will continue to be
E in force till the publication of a new list after the expiry of the minimum period
ofone year or till the expiry of three years whichever is earlier. Based on the
procedure so prescribed, KPSC prescribes the ranked merit list in the order
of merit The candidates are arranged strictly according to merit and are not
arranged according to community or caste or group or according to the cycle
of rotation, in reservation. These candidates are advised for appointment as
F and when vacancies are reported but following the rules of reservation and
rotation prescribed in Rules 14 to 17. (565-F-H; 566-Al

2.5. With a view to secure adequate representation of reserved
communities in the selection and thereby to effectuate the policy of
reservation, KPSC prepares what it calls supplementary list of candidates
G for the different reserved communities who will be entitled to appointment,
comprising of a number equal to half the number of turns as per the quota to
each reservation group. The advantage of this procedure was that no
reservation turn will be passed over to open competition and reservation
groups will get the representation due to them, at the same time maintaining
H the balance of50:50 between open competition and reservation candidates.
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY v. DIST. OFFICER. KERA LA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION 55 5

There was no supplementary list prepared in relation to open competition A
merit candidates for the reason that where the last of the candidates has been
advised from the rank list in the open competition, there was no further scope
for drawing on the supplementary list or advising from that list, as all the
advice hitherto was on the basis of one open competition followed by
reservation, thereby keeping the balance of 50:50. [566-B-EI
B
Indra Sawhneyetc. etc. v. Union of India and Ors. etc. etc., AIR [1993)
SC 477 and State Bank of India Scheduled Caste/Tribe Employees' Welfare
Association and Anr. v. State Bank of India and Ors., 119961 4 SCC 119 -
referred to.

Per Sinha J. (Concurring): c
1.1. Non-statutory Rules framed by the State Public Service Commission
must be read in such a manner which would fulfill the reservation criteria
contained in the Statutory Rules. In terms of Rules 4 and 12 two separate
rank lists were required to be prepared-a separate rank list for open category
candidates as also a supplementary list for the purpose of satisfying the rules D
of reservation of appointment of reserved category candidates. The purport
and object being absolutely clear and unambiguous that such list should he
in the nature of waiting list so that the vacancies arising during the period
when such list is prepared till the publication of a new list as envisaged in
Rule 13 can be filled up. Kerala Public Service Commission under a E
misconception prepared a supplementary list only in relation to the reserved
category of candidates for filling up the vacancies by the some candidates not
joining their posts and not in terms of the open category candidates. It would
be illegal, as thereby the relevant provision relating to the percentage of
reservation contained in Rule 15 of the statutory rule would stand infringed.
1573-E-G) F
1.2. High Court granted the prayer of advising names of the candidates
against NJD vacancies of Muslim candidates holding that the rule of
reservation is not affected as the vacancies created by reason of non-joining
of the posts belonging to open category candidates may be filled up in the
later year. It did not consider the hardship created to one category of candidates G
in terms of Rule 13 inasmuch as such vacancies may not be filled up for a
period of three years and violated the reservation policy of the State in Kera la
State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1958. [574-B-D[

1.3. For the purpose of making the reservation policy a reasonable one
the extent thereof should not exceed 50% save in exceptional situation and H
556 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A also the statutory rules contain such a prohibition. Article 16(48) of the
Constitution is also a pointer to the said fact in terms whereof an enabling
provision has been created whereby and whereunder the State may consider
to fill up the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for being filled
up in that year in accordance with the provisions made under clause (4) or
(4A) as a separate class ofvacancies to be filled up in any succeeding year or
B years and such class of vacancies shall not be considered together with the
vacancies of the year in which they are being filled up for determining the
ceiling of 50% reservation on the total number of that year. Therefore, the
judgment of High Court, if implemented, would be violative of Article 16(48)
of the Constitution as also the statutory rules. (574-D-GJ
c CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 4075-4081 of
1998.

From the Judgment and Order dated 5.8.97 of the Kerala High Court in
O.P. No. 18154, 18176, 18409/95, 357, 3655/97, W.A. No. 582 and 583of1997.
D
K.K. Venugopal, K.V. Mohan and V. Balachandran for the Appellant.

P.A. Mohammed, T.L.V. Iyer, Fazlin Anam, E.M.S. Anam,, Vipin Nair, P.B.
Suresh, Romy Chacko, Ms. V. Mohana and Ramesh Babu M.P. for the
Respondents.
E
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

DR. AR. LAKSHMANAN, J. The appellant before us is a Society e;alled
Nair Service Society ('NSS' in short) filed the above appc:als through its
Secretary against the common judgment and order dated 05.08.1997 passed
F by the Kerala High Court in Writ Appeal No. 582 of 1997 etc. batch and also
to stay the operation of the common judgment and also by restraining the
respondent authorities from giving effect to the above judgment in any
manner and not to appoint any person from the supplementary list. The
appellant-Society was not a party before the High Court. The appellant-
Society sought leave to file the above appeals. The reason given by NSS for
G filing the appeals by a non-party is that the Kerala Public Service Commission
(in short 'the KPSC') which had lost in the High Court was not filing any
appeal after the impugned judgment which was against the interests of the
public and, therefore, the NSS was filing the appeal bona fide in public
interest to protect the weaker sections who would not be able to come to this
H Court after the impugned order. This Court on 09.01.1998 directed issue of
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY'· DIST. OFFICER. KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [LAKSHMANAN,J.J 557

show-cause notice to the respondents and granted leave thereafter on A
17.08.1998.

The original petitions were filed by the candidates before the High
Court seeking to direct the KPSC to advise candidates against the non-joining
duty ('NJD' for short) and also for other consequential and incidental reliefs.
B
The KPSC makes the selection of candidates for appointment in
Government as well as in governmental bodies like the Kerala State Electricity
Board (hereinafter referred to as 'KSEB'). Appointments in Government service
have to be made following the Rules of Reservation laid down in Rules 15
to 17 of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1958 (hereinafter
referred to as 'the KSSR') framed under Article 309 of the Constitution. The C
Rules, inter alia, provide for a 50% reservation in the aggregate for Scheduled
Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). They
also provide as to how the reservation vacancies are to be filled in by the
various categories and castes included in the SC, ST and OBC groups. It is
only necessary to note here that every alternate appointment is for Open D
Competition (merit) and every succeeding alternate appointment is for reserved
candidates. Suffice it to say that the first proviso to Rule 15 (C) lays down
categorically that in no year reservation, including carrying forward vacancies
to a category of post shall exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies for
which selection by direct recruitment to that category is resorted to in that
year. The Note to the rule lays down that the period of one year for purposes E
of this proviso shall commence on and from the day on which the rank list
of candidates prepared by the Commission in respect of that post comes into
force.

The dispute in these appeals arise out of what are called NJD vacancies. F
This is illustrated with reference to the facts of one of these cases.

The KSEB had sought preparation of a select list for appointment of
Sub Engineers. The KPSC prepared a rank list of 177. Along with that it also
prepared separate supplementary lists. Copies of these lists are annexed at
pages 125 to 128. The list came into force on 04.07.1994. There was a requisition G
from the KSEB for 150 names on 20.08.1994. These names were advised. There
was a second requisition on 21.12.1994 for 100 more names. The KPSC could
furnish only 89 names, as with that advise the list of the candidates in the
merit list stood advised for appointment. Thus, the KPSC advised in all 239
names, drawing 177 names from the main rank list and 62 names from the
H
558 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003) SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A supplementary list, which became necessary to fill up the alternate reservation
vacancies in the cycle of rotation of appointment. Be it stated, that in this
total advice of 239 candidates, the KPSC which had resorted to the
supplementary list for getting reservation candidates had advised nos. 1 to
18 among the supplementary list for Muslims. No. 19 onwards to that list
B could not be advised as the main rank list got exhausted in the meanwhile.

Out of the second advice of 89 candidates, 20 candidates did not join
duty which comprised of eleven open competition candidates, three SC' s,
three Ezhavas (OBC's) and three Muslims. Those NJD vacancies were therefore,
reported to the KPSC for advice on 20.06.1995. No advice was, however, made
C by the KPSC whereupon No.19 in the Muslim supplementary list who claimed
appointment to one of these NJD vacancies of Muslims, he being the next
unadvised candidate in the Muslim supplementary list filed O.P.No. 12305 of
1995 in the Kerala High Court for a direction to the KPSC to advise candidates
to the NJD vacancies of Muslims. This was followed by similar other writ
petitions.
D
The stand taken up by the KPSC was that once the main rank list stood
exhausted by advising the last of the candidates included thereon the
supplementary list of reservation candidates also ceased to be in force as
otherwise the rule of 50:50 will stand violated as pointed out thereon. The
KPSC' s stand will be clear from the counter affidavit at pages 79 to 81 as also
E in the Writ Appeal pages I02-106 and counter affidavit pages 163-168 in this
Court.

A learned Single Judge of the High Court on 13.02.1997 allowed the
petition filed by the respondents herein holding that there was no justification
F to reject the case of the petitioner therein on the ground that the main list
got exhausted on 21.12.1994 and directed the KPSC to advise respondent
No.5 therein to appoint them on the NJD vacancy. In holding so the learned
Judge ignored the mandate of the proviso to Rule 15(c) of the KSSR that the
reservation cannot in any case exceed 50% in any year. In terms of the said
order, other original petitions filed by other candidates were also disposed of.
G
Aggrieved by the said order, the KPSC filed writ appeals in the High
Court and contended that the supplementary list is an appendage to the main
list and when the main list ceased to operate, no candidate could be advised
from the supplementary list. It was also pointed out that the supplementary
lists are prepared to make good the deficiency of reserved communities in the
H main list and when the main list ceased to operate the supplementary list
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY'· DIST. OFFICER. KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [LAKSHMANAN, l.) 559
cannot be allowed to operate independently. A Division Bench of the High A
Court, by its common judgment, dated 05.08. 1997 dismissed the appeal filed
by the KPSC and allowed the writ petitions filed by the respondents and
directed the respondents to issue advise memo for appointments to those
without going into the question whether the limit of reservation would exceed
50% and also whether they were entitled to be appointed at all and also the B
primary question as to what is to be done to the 11 NJD vacancies existed
in case of open category candidates and that there was no supplementary list
in their case.

The High Court in para 8 of its judgment has observed as follows:-

"The petitioners in these Original Petitions contended that they are C
all entitled to get appointment against the N .J.D. vacancies as their
names are included in supplementary lists. The stand taken by the
P.S.C. is that once the main list is exhausted or expired it is not
possible to advice any candidate who is included in the supplementary
list. It is true that once the main list is exhausted or expired further D
advice cannot be made from the supplementary list for the vacancy
that may arise subsequently. That is also the view taken by one of
us (Balakrishnan,J.) in O.P. No. 3902/93. But as regards N.J.D.
vacancies, we do not think that the supplementary list can be totally
ignored under all circumstances. If a few candidates belonging to
reserved communities failed to join duty and there arose some N.J.D. E
vacancies, if there are candidates available in the supplementary list,
such candidates can very well be advised for appointment. The
vacancies to be filled are the actual vacancies which ought to have
been filled up along with the candidates in the main list. Learned
counsel for the P.S.C. pointed out that the N.J.D. vacancies may F
include the open competition vacancies as well as vacancies in the
reserved category and if reserved posts alone are allowed to be filled
up, that will exceed the quota earmarked for reservation and it would
be a violation of the proviso to Rule 15 of the K.S. & S.S.R. that in
no year reservations including carrying forward vacancies to a category
of post shall exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies for which G
selection by direct recruitment to that category is resorted to in that
year. Such situation may occur under certain circumstances, but that
does not amount to denial of opportunity of a particular class of
persons as the general N.J.D. vacancies are filled up in the next batch
of selection. Even in the instant case, 150 candidates were advised on H
560 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A 26-8-1994. Out of 150 candidates, 125 candidates were against fresh
vacancies and 25 were N.J.D. vacancies and the counsel for the P.S.C.
admitted that 25 N.J.D. vacancies were filled up and thereafter the
roster point was fixed in respect of 125 candidates. Therefore, it
cannot be said that there is any violation of the proviso to Rule 15
of the K.S. & S.S.R. in the sense that there was denial of opportunity
B to any of the candidates, either open competition candidates or the
reserved candidates."

Aggrieved against the above judgment, the appellant-Society, after
obtaining leave from this Court filed the special leave petitions against the
C common judgment impugning the judgment as erroneous and is against the
provisions of the statute, namely, Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules,
1958 and is, therefore, liable to be set aside.

On the above facts and circumstances, the following two primal questions
of law arise for consideration by this Court:-
D (I) Whether the High Court, after holding that once the main list got
extinguished the supplementary list also automatically gets
extinguished, is correct in its conclusion that the petitioners in
the original petition would be entitled to appointment based on
the supplementary list when they did not have any legal rights
E or fundamental rights over the selection.
(2) Whether it is open to the High Court to exceed the percentage
of reservation beyond 50% against the statutory provisions.

We heard Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned senior counsel for the appellant,
and Mr. P.A. Mohammed and Mr. T.L.V. Iyer, learned senior counsel for the
F contesting respondents. Learned senior counsel invited our attention to the
relevant Rules, namely, Rules 14-17 of the Kerala State and Subordinate
Service Rules, 1959 which lays down the principle of reservation under Article
16(4). The Rules lay down the principle and procedure to be followed in
giving effect to the reservation for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and
G Backward Classes in the State of Kerala. Our attention was drawn to the
relevant Rules of the Kerala Public Service Commission Rules of Procedure
(Annexure-P7) and the Circular No. 17/87 dated 04.07.1987 of the Kerala Public
Service Commission and other relevant records. Mr. Venugopal, learned senior
counsel for the appellant, further submitted that the impugned judgment is
H against the statutory principle and that by the jud~ment the backward turns
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY"· DIST. OFFICER. KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [LAKSHMANAN, J.) 56 J

alone are to be filled in whereas Rule 14 lays down that the open category A
turn is to be filled in first and then the backward turns. The order of rotation
is also laid down. It was further submitted that all these procedures indicates
that in order to workout the rotation open competition candidates would also
be available. Mr. Venugopal would further contend that Rule 15 provides that
in no year reservation including carrying forward of vacancies to a category
of post shall exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies for which by direct B
recruitment is resorted to in that year. The direction in the impugned judgment
violates this provision. According to Mr. Venugopal, the supplementary list
prepared and operated should only satisfy the reservation under Article 16(4)
and that the said Article is always conditioned by the mandate of Article 335
and, therefore, the operation of the supplementary list after expiry of the main C
list against the mandate of Article 335 also. The KPSC has fixed the life of
a ranked list under its power to regulate the procedure for selection and the
procedure followed is that once the main list is exhausted the supplementary
list has no survival on its own. Learned senior councel would also submit that
the Division Bench has not given any valid or good ground for taking the
view that NJD vacancies can be filled up by candidates included in the D
supplementary list even if the main list is exhausted or expired except a
sweeping statement that on an analysis of various provisions of law on this
point they take the view aforesaid. Concluding his submission, learned counsel
submitted that the High Court has committed a grave error in directing the
KPSC to give appointment to the Respondents without going into the question E
whether they are eligible when according to the KPSC the respondents were
not even entitled to appointment. It was submitted for the aforesaid reasons
the supplementary list cannot be acted upon and the respondents would not
be entitled to any reliefs.

Mr. T.L.V. Iyer, learned senior counsel, submitted that t~ough the KPSC F
contended before the High Court that the supplementary list has no
independent existence after the exhaustion of the main list, the KPSC has not
preferred any special leave petition before this Court and has decided to
implement the order passed by the Division Bench of the High Court. It was
also contended by learned counsel for the KPSC that the appellant is not a G
party in the High Court proceedings commenced from 1995 and had no right
or locus standi to rush to this Court and that the appeal at the instance of
the third party society is not maintainable in law.

We do not propose to deal with the question of maintainability at this
stage since the special leave petitions were filed after obtaining leave from H
562 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A this Court and later this Court also had granted leave to the appellant. This
apart, it was stated in the counter affidavit filed in this Court that the
appointment to the services was done in complete regard and compliance of
the High Court and, therefore, the petitioner-Society ought not to have any
grievance. Moreover, as per the said directions of the High Court, the KPSC
advised for appointments of some respondents and the vacancies were filled
B up by the candidates included in the supplementary list and all the appointed
candidates are working in various departments of the Government of Kerala.
We, therefore, do not propose to disturb the said appointments at this distance
of time, that too at the instance of the appellant Nair Service Society, a third
party to the proceedings in question. We are also not inclined to disturb the
C appointments since the really aggrieved persons have not questioned the
correctness of the appointment of some of the candidates who were included
in the supplementary list. We make it clear that this judgment of ours shall
not affect the appointments already made pursuant to the judgment of the
Division Bench of the High Court.

D These appeals have been filed by the appellant-Society by way of
public interest litigation. In the judgment in R.K. Jain v. Union of India and
Ors. reported in AIR (1993) SC 1769, in paragraph 74 at page 1803 of the
judgment, it has been held that,

" .... .In service jurisprudence, it is settled law that it is for the aggrieved
E person i.e. non-appointee to assail the legality of the offending action.
Third party has no locus standi to canvass the legality or correctness
of the action. Only public law declaration would be made at the behest
of the petitioner, a public spirited person."

Since the question of law raised by learned senior counsel is of great
F public importance, we are inclined to consider and decide the two questions
formulated by us for our decision in this appeal.
•
We have given our thoughtful consideration to the legal submissions
made by the counsel appearing for the respective parties. The impugned
G judgment, in our opinion, did not appreciate the well-settled principles of law
that the Court should not substitute the provision of a statute by its own
decision. In this case, the impugned judgment ignored the provisions of
statutory rules to substitute the decision in the place. The K.S. and S.S. Rules,
1959 lays down the principle ofreservation under Article 16(4). The Rules laid
down the principle and the procedure if followed in giving effect to the
H reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY v. DIST. OFFICER, KERALAPUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [LAKSHMANAN, J.) 563 '

in the State. Rule 15 refers to the integrated cycle of rotation and it deals with A
the procedure to be adopted in selections where any candidate may become
available for recruitment from the reserved group. This Rule lays down the
principle of limitation of percentage of reservation including the carry forward.
The reservation of vacancies including carry forward vacancies shall not
exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies for which selection by direct B
recruitment to that category is resorted to in that year. Rule .16 provides that
there is sub-rotation among QBCs. Rule 17 enumerates the sub groups among
QBCs mentioned in Rule 14(a) and Rule 16. Through out these rules, there
• are clear indications that the scheme of reservation followed in the State of
Kerala under direct recruitment is with respect to vacancies. Rule 14(c) lays
down the manner of making appointments. Rule 15 also makes it clear that C
appointment referred to is with reference to vacancies as made out in the
proviso under rule 15(c) and the note thereunder. The judgment of the High
Court proceed on the wrong premise that the principle of reservation is with
reference to the post. In our view, Rules 14-17 do not contemplate making a
supplementary list and the statutory rules envisage making a ranked list
which is defined in Rule 2(g) of the KPSC Rules of procedure. Rule 2(g) of D
the KPSC Rules of procedure reads thus:-"

"ranked list" means list of candidates arranged in the order of merit either on
the basis of interview or examination or by both".

The above definition shows that there is only one ranked list. Therefore, E
the supplementary list prepared by the KPSC to satisfy the rules of reservation
has, in fact, no statutory backing. For that reason when the main list is
exhausted or expired, supplementary list cannot be allowed to operate. If the
supplementary list alone is allowed to operate it would amount to giving
greater sanctity to it and long life than the main list prepared in accordance p
with the Rules. Secondly, after the expiry or exhaustion of the main list if the
supplementary list is operated it would violate the first proviso to Rule 15(c)
of the General Rules. The reason is that the NJD vacancies in respect..ofQBC
candidates cannot be filled up after the expiry or exhaustion of the main list
and only reserved candidates can be advised from the supplementary list
which would violate 50% rule as no QC Category candidates could be advised. G
As rightly contended by Mr. Venugopal, it would adversely affect the QC
Category candidates and violate the statutory Rule. The reason given by the
Division Bench that if.any NJD vacancy arise in the QC category, the same
could be filled up in the next batch of appointment thereby, the rights of QC
candidates can very well be protected without any violation of the proviso H
564 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A to Rule 15 of K.S and S.S.R. is not legally acceptable. The above reasoning,
in our opinion, is equally acceptable to NJD vacancies which arise in the
reserved categories as well. By advising candidates from the supplementary
list, without any opportunity of balancing the advise with an open competition
candidate the consequence would have been a violation of 50:50 rule with a
B tilt in favour of the reserved candidates lasting their quota above 50%. The
net result is that there will be excess reservation over 50% in the year.

In our opinion, the KPSC has failed to protect the interest of the open
competition candidates while implementing the decision of the High Court. It
is an admitted position in the present case that the open competition quota
C of NJD vacancies have not been filled up and the only plea that the list got
exhausted. If the list was not expired, the NJD vacancies of the OC category
also would be filled up. The open competition candidates who belong to the
forward communities alone do not get the appointment by the process evolved
by the KPSC.

D For regulating, inter alia, procedure in relation to the preparation of the
rank lists the KPSC has made rules entitled the KPSC Rules of Procedure, Rule
3 enumerates the various types of lists/examination which the Commission
may conduct to assess the merits of candidates considered for appointment
to a post. Needless to say it includes written examination and oral test
[interview). Rule 4 insofar as it is relevant provides that where a written
E examination is conducted, the Commission shall prepare a list in the order of
merit of such number of candidates as it may determine from time to time. The
provisos to the Rule enable the Commission to prepare separate rank lists in
the order of merit of candidates coming under separate groups in accordance
with the qualifications or other conditions as stipulated in the notification;
p and also further that for the purpose of satisfying the rules of reservation of
appointment ofSC's, ST's and OBC's, also, the Commission may prepare such
supplementary lists as found necessary from time to time in the order of merit
of the candidates belonging to such classes. The relevant part of the Rules
reads as under:

G "4. Where a written examination and/or a practical test is conducted
by the Commission for recruitment to a service or post, the Commission
shall:

(i) announce:

(a) The qualifications required of the candidates for the examination.
H
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY>'. DIST. OFFICER. KERALAPUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [LAKSHMANAN, J) 565

(b) The conditions of admission to the examination including the A
fees

(c) The subjects, scheme or syllabus of the examination, and

(d) The number of vacancies to be filled from among the candidates
for the examination
B
Provided that where the exact number of vacancies to be filled is
not ascertainable, the commission may either announce the approximate
number of vacancies to be filled or state that the number of vacancies
has not been estimated.

(ii) Invite applications and consider all the applications so C
received.

(iii) Make all arrangements for the conduct of the examination for
the candidates, whose applications are found to be in order, and

(iv) Prepare a list in the order of merit of such number of candidates D
as the Commission may determine from time to time.

Provided that the Commission may also prepare separate ranked
lists in the order of merit of candidates coming under separate groups
in accordance with the qualifications or other conditions as stipulated
in the notification. E
Provided further that for the purpose of satisfying the rules of
reservation of appointmeht to scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
and other Backward classes also the commission may prepare such
supplementary lists as found necessary from time to time in the order
of merit of the candidates belonging to such classes." F
It is only necessary to refer to one more Rule, namely, Rule 13 which
provides the period for which a list as above prepared shall remain in force.
The normal period for which the list is to remain in force is one year from the
date on which it is brought into force, but it will continue to be in force till
the publication ofa new list after the expiry of the minimum period ofone year G
or till the expiry of three years whichever is earlier. Based on the procedure
so prescribed, the KPSC prescribes the ranked merit Iist in the order of merit
The candidates are arranged strictly according to merit and are not arranged
according to community or caste or group or according to the cycle of
rotation, in reservation. The number of candidates to be included in this rank H
566 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R..

A list is filled with reference to some principles followed by them, which are
explained in para 4 of the KPSC's Writ Appeal before the High Court (pages
I02-103). The candidates are advised for appointment as and when vacancies
are reported, but following the rules of Reservation and rotation prescribed
in Rules 14 to 17 of the KSSR.

B With a view to secure adequate representation of reserved communities
in the selection and thereby to effectuate the policy of reservation, the KPSC
prepares what it calls supplementary list of candidates for the different reserved
communities who will be entitled to appointment, comprising of a number
equal to half the number of turns as per the quota to each reservation group.
C Thus if Muslims were entitled to ten turns in the list, the supplementary list
of Muslims will comprise of at least five Muslims. The advantage of this
procedure was that no reservation turn will be passed over to open competition
and reservation groups will get the representation due to them, at the sa:me
time maintaining the balance of 50:50 between open competition and reservation
candidates.
D
The supplementary list was only in respect of reservation categories.
There was no supplementary list prepared in relation to open competition
merit candidates for the reason that where the last of the candidates has been
advised from the rank list in the open competition, there was no further scope
E for drawing on the supplementary list or advising from that list, as all the
advice hitherto was on the basis of one open competition followed by
reservation, thereby keeping the balance of 50:50. If any more candidates are
advised from the supplementary list, the number of reservation candidates will
go up and the 50:50 rule will be violated.

F The KPSC was therefore always of the view that once main rank list got
exhausted by advising the last of the candidates therein, the supplementary
list also ceased to be in force as there was no scope for advising any more
candidates therefrom without violating the 50:50 rule.

All this is explained in the Writ Appeal filed by the KPSC as also the
G counter affidavit filed in this Court.
In the case on hand, the appellant-Society is seeking to enforce the rule
of reservation to limit the same upto 50% in order to maintain the balance.
The KPSC even stated that under Rule 15, the 50% rule of reservation should
be observed in a selection year of the ranked list. The Rules clearly safeguards
H the interest of the backward communities by providing that if no candidate
NAIR SERVICE SOCIEIT v. DIST. OFFICER, KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [LAKSHMANAN. J.] 567

was available to a particular community in a particular year, it should be A
restored at the earliest after having passed over by adjusting the post of
another community, which derived extra benefit. But in a case of open
competition candidate there is no right for restoration as set out by the KPSC
in its counter.

A rejoinder affidavit was filed on behalf of the appellant-Society. Para B
7 of the rejoinder affidavit is reproduced hereunder:

"In Para 3 of its counter, the commission itself admits that the vacancy
created as a result of 'non joining duty' of a candidate must be made
by advising the candidates belonging to the same group such as O.C.
or B.C. But for this the ranked list should be valid. This is evident C
from the following:
As the turns in the rotation are continuous, the 'non joining
duty' (NJD) of a candidate, results in the break of the chain in
the cycle of rotation. The break in the chain is mended by
advising a candidate, belonging to the group concerned. This D
being the position, the turns becoming available due to 'Not
Joining Duty' of candidates is filled up first and only after filling
up the 'not joining duty' tum the remaining vacancies are filled
up following the turns in the rotation from where it ended last
time. Candidates can be advised against the vacancies caused E
due to the 'Not Joining Duty' only from a valid ranked list. So
Not Joining Duty vacancy resulting from the failure of candidates
must be filled up by advising candidates. Otherwise, the prirdples
contained in Rule 14 to 17 KS & SSR will be defeated.

Further in annexure RI, at page 176, it is stated as follows: F
According to the above judgment, vacancies arising by reason of
failure of candidates to join duty must be filled up by advising
candidates belonging to the same group O.C. or reserved. As per the
procedure now followed by the Commission, if a candidate fails to join
duty in a particular post, that advice is cancelled and another candidate G
is advised to fill up the above vacancy continuing the rotation from
where it previously ended. As this procedure is against the spirit of
the above judgment, the Commission order that hereafter the vacancies
arising due to not joining duty of the candidates already advised,
have to be filled up by the candidates belonging to the same group. H
568 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003) SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A This will apply to all requisitions (both for special and general
recruitment) received on and after 6.11.1981.

The Commission supported the case of the petitioner Society, in
its affidavit in paras 4 and 5 also. The Annexures RI and R2 also
support the case of the Petitioner including that once the ranked list
B expired the supplementary list also gets exhausted and that it should
not be acted upon."

However, in spite of the averments made as above, the KPSC decided
to implement the Order of the High Court thereby failed to protect the interests
of the Open Category candidates by announcing the General Circular No. 25/
C 97 dated 22.12.1997. The said circular is stated to be retrospective in nature
and to be acted upon w.e.f. 13.02.1997.

As already noticed, the Government of Kerala issued a Circular on
22.12.1997 only because the KPSC had to comply with the judgment of the
High Court. Now that we have clarified the correct position of law as canvassed
D by the counsel appearing for parties, the Circular dated 22.12.1997 will have
no effect.

Article 16 of the Constitution oflndia deals with equality ofopportunity
in matters of public employment. The said Article reads thus:
E "Article 16. (I) There shall be equality of opportunity for all
citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any
office under the State.

(2) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex,
descent, place of birth, residence or any of them, be ineligible for, or
F discriminated against in respect of, any employment or office under
the State.

(3) Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from making
any law prescribing, in regard to a class or classes of employment or
appointment to ari office under the Government of, or any local or
G other authority within a State or Union territory, any requirement as
to residence within that State or Union territory, prior to such
employment or appointment.

(4) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any
provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of
H
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY'· DIST. OFFICER. KER ALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [LAKSHMANAN, l) 569

any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is A
not adequately represented in the services under the State.

(4A) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making
any provision for reservation in matters of promotion, with
consequential seniority, to any class or classes of posts in the services
under the State in favour of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled B
Tribes which, in the opinion of the State, are not adequately represented
in the services under the State.

(48) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from considering
any unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for being filled up
in that year in accordance with any provision for reservation made C
under clause (4) or (4A) as a separate class of vacancies to be filled
up in any succeeding year or years and such class of vacancies shall
not be considered together with the vacancies of the year in which
they are being filled up for determining the ceiling of fifty per cent
reservation on total number of vacancies of that year. (5) Nothing in D
this article shall affect the operation of any law which provides that
the incumbent of an office in connection with the affairs of any
religious or denominational institution or any member of the governing
body thereof shall be a person professing a particular religion or
belonging to a particular denomination."
E
Clause (4) only permits reservation for 'backward classes of citizens'
who are not, in the opinion of the State, adequately represented in the
services of the State. It does not permit reservation for any person who ..:oes
not belong to the category of 'backward classes', nor does it enable the State
to reserve posts on communal lines.
F
This Court in the case of Indra Sawhney etc. etc. v. Union of India and
Ors., etc. etc. reported in AIR (I993) SC 477, held that the reservation of more
than 50% of the vacancies as they arise in any year or a carry forward Rule
will be outside the protection of Art. 16(4). A normal Rule is that the reservation
under Art. 16(4) should not exceed 50% of the appointments or posts to be
made in a particular year. This Court has also observed that the Rule of 50% G
a year will be taken as the unit and not the entire strength of the cadre or
service as the case may be (paragraph 96). If suitable candidates are not
available in the year to fill the reserved seats, the reserved quota should not
be carried forward to the next year, so as to exceed the 50% limit for reservation
(paragraphs 98-99). H
570 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003) SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A The reserved vacancies should not be carried forward beyond the
period of three years at the end of which they lapse and cannot be revived
and filled retrospectively by applying the relaxed nonns. State Bank of India
Scheduled Caste/Tribe Employees' Welfare Association and Anr. v. State
Bank of India and Ors., [1996] 4 SCC 119.

B It is also observed in the said judgment that Article 16(4) speaks of
class protection and not the protection of individuals.

We are, therefore, of the opinion that the High Court is not correct in
its conclusion that the respondents would be entitled to appointment based
C on the supplementary list. Question No. I is answered in the negative. Likewise,
it is not open to the High Court to exceed percentage of reservation beyond
50% against the statutory protection. This question is also answered in the
negative. We, therefore, held that once the main list is exhausted, the
supplementary list has no survival of its own.

D With these observations, the appeals stand disposed of. No costs.

S.B. SINHA, J. The mode and manner l)f selection and method of
appointment to the post of Sub-Engineer (Civil) in.the Kerala State Electricity
Board as also the tenns and conditions thereof indisputably are governed by
Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1958 ('the rules'). The Rules also
E provide for reservation being governed by Rules 14 to 17 thereof. Rule 14(c)
provides for the manner in which the order of rotation shall be worked out.
In tenns of Rule 15, it is provided that if a suitable candidate is not available
for selection from any particular community or group of communities specified
in the Annexure, the said community or group shall be passed over and the
post shall be filled up by a suitable candidate from the community or group
F of communities immediately next to the passed over community or group in
the said Annexure, as the case may be, in the order of rotation. In the
Annexure appended to Rule 15 for direct recruitment to the posts other than
those included in the Kerala Last Grade Service, a I 00 point roster is given.
Once, however, the benefit of the tum in terms of rule 15 is forfeited to a
G particular community or a group of community having been passed over, the
same shall be restored to it at the earliest possible opportunity, if a suitable
candidate from the particular community or group is available for selection
upon making adjustment therefor against the claims of that community or
group, as the case may be. The proviso appended to the said Rule in no
uncertain tenns restricts reservation including carrying forward vacancy to a
H category of posts in the year of recruitment in question not exceeding 500/o
NAIR SERVICE SOCIElY v. DIST. OFFICER. KERALA PUBLIC SERVICECOMMISSION[S.B. SINH,,, J.) 571
of the total number of vacancies. A
By reason of a note appended to Rule 15, it is provided that for
purposes of application of the proviso to Rule 15 limiting the number of
vacancies to be reserved in a year as 50 per cent in respect of a category of
post, the period of one year shall commence on and from the day on which
the ranked list of candidates prepared by the Commission in respect of that B
post comes into force. The matter relating to reservation is governed thereunder
and the Public Service Commission was under a statutory duty to follow the
principles laid down in the said rules.

The Public Service Commission of the State ofKerala framed the Kerala C
Public Service Commission Rules of Procedure which is non-statutory in
nautre. ·Rule 2(g) of the said Rules defined "Ranked List" as:

"Ranked List" means list of candidates arranged in the order of merit,
either on the basis of the interview or examination or by both;

Rule 4 of the said Rules which is material for the purpose of detennining D
the issues raised in this matter reads thus:

"Where a written examination and/ or a practical test is conducted by
the <;:ommission for recruitment to a service or post, the Commission
shall -
E
(i) announce:

(a) the qualifications required of the candidates for the
examination,

(b) the conditions of admission to the examination including the F
fees,

(c) the subjects, scheme or syllabus of the examination, and

(d) the number of vacancies to be filled from among the
candidates for the examination;
G
Provided that where the exact number of vacancies to be filled is
not ascertainable, the Commission may either announce the approximate
number of vacancies to be filled or state that the number of vacancies
has not been estimated.

H
572 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A (ii) invite applications and consider all the applications so
received,

(iii) make all arrangements for the conduct of the examination for
the candidates whose applications are found to be in order,
and
B
(iv) prepare a list in the order of merit of such number of
candidates as the Commission may determine from time to
time;

Provided that the Commission may also prepare separate ranked
C lists in the order of merit of candidates coming under separate groups
in accordance with the qualifications or other conditions as stipulated
in the notification;

Provided further that for the purpose of satisfying the rules of
reservation of appointment to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
D and other Backward Classes also the Commission may prepare such
supplementary lists as found necessary from time to time in the order
of merit of the candidates belonging to such classes."

Relevant part of Rules 12 and 13 of the said Rules read as under:

"12. All the candidates interviewed and who obtained not less than
E
the minimum marks fixed by the commission shall be included in the
ranked list prepared in the order of merit;

Provided where the can..;idates have been called for interview for
the purpose of satisfying the rules of reservation alone such candidates
F who have got not less than the prescribed minimum marks in the
interview shall be included in the supplementary list or lists arranged
in the order of merit among the candidates belonging to each class;

Provided further that the Commission may also prepare list or lists
of such categories of candidates who have got not less than the
G prescribed minimum marks in the interview and who are entitled to
priority according to the terms of the notification inviting applications;

Provided further that the Commission may also prepare lists of
averaged candidates who have secured not less than the prescribed
minimum marks in the interview and who are eligible to be considered
H
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY'· DIST. OFFICER. KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [S.B. SINHA, J.] 573

for appointment in the absence of candidates who conform to the A
rules regarding age limits ...

13. The ranked lists published by the Commission shall remain in
force for a period one year from the date on which it was brought into
force provided that the said list will continue to be in force till the
publication of a new list after the expiry of the minimum period of one B
year or till the expiry of three years whichever is earlier.... ;"

The Kerala Public Service Commission under a misconception prepared
a supplementary list only in relation to the reserved category of candidates
and did not prepare such list in terms of the open category candidates. A bare C
perusal of the two provisos appended to both Rules 4 and 12 clearly show
that two separate ranked lists were required to be prepared, one for the open
category candidates and another for the reserved category candidates. The
purport and object of preparing such separate ranked lists is absolutely clear
and unambiguous. Such list should be in the nature of waiting list so that the
vacancies arising during the period when such list is prepared till the publication D
of a new list as envisaged in Rule 13 can be filled up. In other words, in terms
of the aforementioned rules what was required to prepare was a main list
a separate ranked list for open category candidates as also a supplementary
list for the purpose of satisfying the rules of reservation of appointment of
reserved category candidates. Non-Statutory Rules framed by the Commission E
must be read in such a manner which would fulfill the reservation criteria
contained in the Statutory Rules.

Preparation of only one supplementary list for filling up the vacancies
by the some candidates not joining their posts, only from the reserved
category of candidates, therefore, would be illegal, as thereby the relevant F
provision relating to the percentage ofreservation contained in Rule 15 of the
statutory rule would stand infringed.·

Both the lists viz for the open category of candidates as also the
reserved category of candidates were necessary, thus required to be prepared G
in terms of the said Rules for maintaining the ratio of 50-50.

The respondents herein filed a writ petition before the High Court for
giving effect to the said purported supplementary list wherein the following
prayers were made:
H
" (i) to issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ order
574 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A or direction commanding the Ist respondent to advice candidates
against the non-joining duty vacancies of Muslim candidates advised
on 20.8.1994 from Ext. Pl list and also to such vacancies of candidates,
advised on 21.12.1981.

(ii) to direct the 2nd respondent to report non-joining duty among 89
B candidates advised from Ext. Pl list on 21.12.1994."

The High Court by reason of the impugned judgment granted the said
prayer inter alia holding that the rule of reservation is not affected as the
vacancies created by reason of non-joining of the posts belonging to open
C category candidates may be filled up in the later year. The hardship created
to one category of candidates in tenns of Rule 13 had not been considered
by the High Court inasmuch as such vacancies may not be filled up for a
period of three years. Furthennore, by reason thereof, the reservation policy
of the State as contained in the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules,
1958 has been violated. This Court in a large number of decisioas has clearly
D held that for the purpose of making the reservation policy a reasonable one
the extent thereof should not exceed 50% save in exceptional situation. The
statutory rules also contain such a prohibition. Article 16 (48) of the
Constitution of India is also a pointer to the said fact in tenns whereof an
enabling provision has been created whereby and whereunder the State may
E consider to fill up the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for being
filled up in that year in accordance with the provisions made under Clause
(4) or (4A) as a separate class of vacancies to be filled up in any succeeding
year or years and such class of vacancies shall not be considered together
with the vacancies of the year in which they are being filled up for detennining
the ceiling of 50% reservation on total number of that year.
F
The judgment of the High Court, if implemented, would thus be violative
of Article 16 (48) of the Constitution as also the statutory rules.

The High Court, therefore, committed an illegality in passing the
G impugned judgment insofar as it failed to take into consideration that in the
event the same is given effect to, more than 50% of the vacancies in a
particular year will be filled up from amongst the reserved category candidates.
We, however, having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case do
not intend to set aside the appointments made in favour of the private
respondents herein only on the ground that the judgment of the High Court
H
NAIR SERVICE SOCIETY v. DIST. OFFICER. KERALA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION [S.B. SINHA.I.) 575
has been acted upon. A
For the reasons aforementioned, I agree that the appeals shall be allowed
to the extent as directed by my learned Brother Dr. Lakshmanan, J. in his
judgment.

NJ. Appeal disposed. B