Krishnamoorthy, J.

The question that arises for consideration in these appeals is as to whether the special recruits selected under R.1 7a of the Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958 (hereinaer referred to as 'the K.S.S.R.") should be included in the quota reserved for direct recruits when under the Special Rules the method of appointment is both by direct recruitment and transfer/ promotion.

2. The facts necessary for the disposal of these appeals, in the light of the contentions raised by the Additional Advocate General on behalf of the State, are as follows: These Writ Appeals arise out of a common judgment in the writ petitions filed by the petitioners who had applied for appointment as Sales Tax Officers pursuant to a notification by the Public Service Commission published in the Kerala Gazette dated 20-7-1982. The petitioners were included in the ranked list dated 31-10-1984. Their complaint was that in spite of the prescription of the ratio 1:3 in the Kerala Agricultural Income Tax and Sales Tax Service Special Rules issued in G.O.MS. 706/64 dated 26-10-1964, the number of vacancies earmarked for direct recruits was not reported to the Public Service C