IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE T.R.RAMACHANDRAN NAIR THURSDAY, THE 19TH MARCH 2009 / 28TH PHALGUNA 1930 WP(C).No. 6897 of 2009(F) -------------------------------------- PETITIONER(S): ------------------------ 1. V.R. BIJU, METER READER, K.S.E.B, ELECTRICAL SECTION, PERINGOTTUKARA, KODUNGALLUR DIVISION, THRISSUR DISTRICT. 2. THOMAS.P.P, METER READER, K.S.E.B, IRINJALAKUDA NO.2, SECTION, K.S.E.B, THRISSUR. BY ADVS. DR.K.P.SATHEESAN MR.K.K.GOPINATHAN NAIR MR.M.R.JAYAPRASAD MR.P.MOHANDAS (ERNAKULAM) MR.MATHEW SUNNY RESPONDENT(S): -------------------------- 1. KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD (K.S.E.B IN SHORT) REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDHYUTHI BHAVAN, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 2. THE CHIEF ENGINEER (H.R.M) K.S.E.B, VYDHUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. BY ADV. MR.K.S.ANIL SC, KSEB. THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19/03/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: T.R.RAMACHANDRAN NAIR, J -------------------------------------------------- W.P.(C) No.6897 of 2009 --------------------------------------------------- Dated this the 19th day of March, 2009 JUDGMENT The petitioners are presently working as Meter Readers in the Kerala State Electricity Board. Both of them are Diploma Holders. Originally they were appointed as Meter Readers. Appointment to the post of Sub Engineer is done by two methods namely by promotion from Meter Readers and the other by direct recruitment in the ratio 60:40. 2. In para 4 it is pointed out that the cadre strength of Sub Engineer (Electrical) is calculated as 2655. Out of the sanctioned strength of 2655, about 353 places of Sub Engineer (Electrical) are now vacant which is earmarked for promotion under 60% quota. The vacancies under 60% quota are to be filled up by promotion from Meter Readers having five years service. At present there is only 17 Meter Readers eligible for promotion to the cadre of Sub Engineer. Order dated 18.10.2008 issued by the first respondent is produced as Ext.P1. The Board decided to fill up the remaining vacancies of Sub Engineer through Public Service Commission. 3. Heard learned standing counsel for the petitioner who submitted that the claim of the petitioners can be considered only after disposal of certain writ petitions pending before the Court. wpc: 6897 of 2009 2 Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the issue herein is not similar. Seeking for the promotion in the quota earmarked for them, a representation was filed by the first petitioner before the second respondent. It is up to the second respondent to take a decision in accordance with the rules and their seniority and the claim of others who are similarly placed and communicate the result to the petitioners. The same shall be done within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. The Writ Petition is disposed of as above. T.R.RAMACHANDRAN NAIR, JUDGE bps