IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI TUESDAY, THE 29TH JULY 2008 / 7TH SRAVANA 1930 WP(C).No. 9833 of 2008(U) ------------------------- PETITIONER: ------------ LIJI PETER, AGED 23 YEARS, D/O.K.O.PETER KANNOTH HOUSE, 713A, MULAVARIKALA ROAD, THEVARA. BY ADV. SRI.GEORGE SEBASTIAN RESPONDENTS: ------------- 1. THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, PATTOM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 2. THE CHIEF ENGINEER (C&P) AND SPORTS COORDINATOR, K.S.E.B. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. BY ADV. SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN, SC, KSEB FOR R1-2 THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 29/07/2008, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J ------------------- W.P.(C).9833/2008 -------------------- Dated this the 29th day of July, 2008 JUDGMENT Petitioner claims to be an outstanding basket ball player, who has represented the State in number of National Games. Kerala State Electricity Board proposed to constitute a team of players in the KSEB, for the games of basket ball and volley ball. They fixed the age limit of 18 to 21 for the applicants, the age to be determined as on 1.1.2008. Petitioner has challenged the notification on the ground that prescription of the maximum age limit is irrational. A reference in this regard is made to the minimum educational qualifications prescribed for several posts including Assistant Engineer (Electrical) and it is pointed out that in the case of Assistant Engineer, a degree in Electrical Engineering from the universities in Kerala or its equivalent qualification is the minimum educational qualification prescribed. It is contended that a student would normally be in a position to acquire a degree in Engineering before the age of 21 and therefore, there is non application of mind on the part of the Board W.P.(C).9833/2008 2 in prescribing the maximum age of 21, even in relation to the post of Assistant Engineer. 2. I would have considered this contention of non application of mind on the part of the KSEB in prescribing the maximum age limit, but for the fact that the petitioner admittedly does not hold a degree in Engineering and admittedly cannot be an aspirant for the post of Assistant Engineer or Sub Engineer or even a Meter Reader in the Electricity Board. Going by Ext.P3, she can only aspire for the post of Junior Assistant/Cashier and other relatable posts, in the ministerial side. It cannot be said that the prescription of maximum age limit of 21 in relation to a post where the minimum educational qualification is only a graduation from a recognized university, is otherwise vitiated. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that sports persons would ordinarily take more than the W.P.(C).9833/2008 3 normal time to acquire a degree or any other educational qualification as the case may be. 4. Learned Standing Counsel for the KSEB submits that the intention of the Board is to constitute a team for the Electricity Board. Therefore, the prescription of the maximum age limit as such even for the post of Assistant Engineer may not really be relevant in the facts and circumstances of the case. 5. It is for the appointing authority to fix the educational qualification as also the other parameters for an eligible applicant. I do not find any grounds to interfere with the notification issued by the PSC. Writ petition is bereft of merit and hence dismissed. V.GIRI, Judge mrcs