1. These five writ petitions, though from different districts, raise same issues of facts and law, and hence, they can be conveniently disposed of by a common judgment.

2. These petitions are filed in public interest by the petitioners who are practising advocates in different districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Wayanad and Trissur. The petitions impugn R.7 and 8 of the Kerala Government Law Officers (Appointment and Conditions of Service) and Conduct of Cases Rules, 1978 as also the Kerala Government Law Officers (Appointment and Conditions of Service) and Conduct of Cases (Amendment) Rules, 2002.

3. The Kerala Government Law Officers (Appointment and Conditions of Service) and Conduct of Cases Rules, 1978 (hereinafter called the '1978 Rules') were prescribed by the Government of Kerala purportedly in exercise of its powers under S.2(1) of the Kerala Public Services Act, 1968. These rules prescribe the manner of appointment, duties and responsibilities of Government Law Officers appointed by the Government to conduct Government cases in any court or tribunal in the State and include District Government Pleaders and Public Prosecutors. We are not concerned with th