Degree holders and Diploma holders in the cadre of Asst: Executive Engineers in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (for short'the Corporation') have been classified into two categories for the purpose of further promotion to the cadre of Executive Engineers. The relevant clause in the Regulations formulated by the Corporation which made the aforesaid classification has been assailed in this Original Petition filed by two Diploma holders.

2. The petitioners and the fourth respondent are now Asst. Executive Engineers in the Corporation. Their next promotion is to the cadre of Executive Engineers. While petitioners are diploma holders the 4th respondent is a graduate in Civil Engineering. Clause 5(1) of the K.S.R.T.C. Civil Engineering Staff (Method of appointment) Regulations (for short 'the regulations') reads thus:

Executive Engineer

Method of Recruitment

(1) By selection from among Asst. Executive Engineers with minimum 3 years experience in case of Degree holders and 5 years in case of Diploma holders.

According to the petitioners, the requirement that diploma holders should have 5 years experience as Asst. Executive Engineers for entitlement to promotion to the next