Raman, J.

1. The appellant is working as Section Officer in the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, the first respondent herein. He is a candidate belonging to the Muslim community. The university issued Ext.P1 notification, dated 4.12.1999, inviting applications from qualified Assistants/Sections Officers working in the Universities of Kerala State to the post of Section Officer in the scale of pay of Rs.6500-10550. The number of posts advertised was 15 (approximate). The appellant and respondents 2 to 10 were also candidates who applied for the said post. The rank list consisting of 50 candidates was published on 1.4.2000, as evidenced by Ext.P2. The appellant and respondents 2 to 10 were included in the rank list and they were appointed to the post of Section Officers on 5.4.2000, applying the rules of rotation contained in Rules 14 to 17 of the Kerala State & Subordinate Services Rules, 1958, for short 'the K.S & S.S.R'. In the rank list, there were five candidates belonging to the Muslim Community including the appellant and respondents 2 and 3. Respondents 2 and 3 were Serial Nos.6 and 10, whereas the appellant was Serial No.23. However the appellant