A.K. Basheer, J.

The short but important question that arises for consideration in this bunch of cases is whether the Kerala Public Service Commission is justified in refusing to advise candidates like the petitioners included in the rank list of Pharmacist (Homoeopathy) on the ground that they did not possess requisite qualification in terms of the amended special rules framed by the Government after commencement of the selection process. In other words, the question is: Are the amended rules regarding qualification, atleast vis-a-vis the appellant and petitioners, prospective or retrospective in their operation?

2. A brief reference to the essential facts is necessary to answer the above question. We will be referring to the relevant dates and documents available in Writ Petition No.18087/2005.

3. The Kerala Public Service Commission (for short, the Commission) issued Ext.P1 notification in the Kerala Gazette on October 27, 1998 inviting applications for appointment, to the post, of Pharmacist (Homoeopathy) in the Department of Homoeopathy. The common notification was issued for filling up the several vacancies in 8 districts in the State. The qualifications prescribed w