In Brief
Six employees of the Kerala Water Authority were promoted to Assistant Engineer under the diploma quota in the Subordinate Service Rules, 1966 before a direct recruitment examination in the degree quota was announced. Two candidates were recruited directly under the degree quota. The High Court had favoured the direct recruits, holding that promoted candidates who selected the diploma quota could not later switch to the degree quota. The Supreme Court reversed this, holding that the rules governing the two services are separate and distinct. Once appointed as Assistant Engineer—regardless of quota—employees can opt for either degree or diploma quota for future promotions under the Special Rules, 1960. The Court rejected the view that the option applies only to those acquiring degrees after appointment, finding such interpretation absurd and unfairly disadvantageous to meritorious candidates.
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