These two writ petitions concern the challenge against the selection and appointment to the post of Munsiff-Magistrates in the Kerala State Judicial Service. Since common questions arise for consideration, they are disposed of by a common judgment. The relevant facts necessary for the disposal of the writ petitions are the following:

2. The petitioners in both the writ petitions belong to Ezhava community. The petitioner in Writ Petition No.24737/2008 is serial No.92 in the list of qualified candidates, viz. Ext.P1 and the petitioner in Writ Petition No.34668/2008 is serial No.54 in the same list. Ext.P1 has been published in the gazette, after it was prepared by the High Court and approved by the Government. Ext.P2 is the order issued by the Government appointing 45 persons listed in the notification accompanying it as Munsiff-Magistrates. The said list is one prepared under Rules 14 to 17 of the KS & SSR.

3. The previous selection was in the year 2002 and at that point of time 70 posts of Munsiff-Magistrates were filled up from the rank list prepared by the High Court. Ext.P3 is the main list of 88 candidates found suitable for appointment in that selection and Ext.P4 i