THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No.27738 of 2010 ORDER: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (for short ‘the Corporation’) issued a notification, dated 20.09.2010, proposing to fill 12 vacancies of Accounts Officers by direct recruitment. The departmental candidates are also permitted to apply. The age limit prescribed for the candidates is 30 years as on 01.07.2010. It is relaxed by 5 years to the candidates belonging to S.C., S.T., and B.C. categories. So far as the departmental candidates are concerned, the maximum age limit is relaxed to the extent of total service rendered by them in the Corporation, subject to maximum of 45 years. The petitioner is working as Deputy Superintendent (Finance) and holds the educational qualifications and experience mentioned in the notification. However, he exceeded 45 years of age by two months and few days. This writ petition is filed with a prayer to direct the Corporation to relax the age limit in favour of the petitioner. Reliance is placed upon Regulation 31 of the A.P.S.R.T.C. Recruitment Regulations (for short ‘the Regulations’). Sri A.G.Satyanarayana Rao, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that all are carried forward vacancies, and there are no eligible S.C. candidates for the posts. He contends that no prejudice would be caused to the respondents in case the petitioner is extended the benefit of relaxation of age limit by two months. Smt.W.V.S.Rajeswari, learned Standing Counsel for the respondents, on the other hand, submits that as many as 12 posts are being filled up and relaxation cannot be granted contrary to the stipulations in favour of the petitioner alone. She contends that Regulation 31 of the Regulations has no application and it does not confer power upon the respondents to relax the age limit. The petitioner has crossed 45 years by two months and few days. The general age limit stipulated under the notification is 30 years. Relaxation of 5 years was given in favour of S.C., S.T., and B.C. candidates. The departmental candidates are entitled to count their service and the age limit, subject to maximum of 45 years can be extended in their favour. Regulation 31 of the Regulations, upon which reliance is placed, does not confer any power upon the Corporation to relax the age limit. It should be for all the candidates and it cannot be selectively extended to one or two candidates. It is not a case where a single post is notified and except the petitioner, there are no other candidates. As many as 12 posts are notified and the written test is to be conducted. The petitioner cannot be extended the benefit of relaxation of age limit, contrary to the notification. Therefore, the writ petition is dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY,J Dt: 09.11.2010. kdl