V. Giri, J.

1. The petitioners are functioning as Special Public Prosecutors for the conduct of cases instituted by Delhi Special Police in the trial court and appeals and revisions before the revisional and appellate courts. They were enrolled as Advocates on 12-10-1985 and 2-2-1987 respectively. While so, they were appointed as Public Prosecutors by the Central Government in exercise of its powers under Section 24 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (for short 'the Code'). The first petitioner w as practising as an advocate in various courts, civil and criminal, until 1991 from 12-10-1985 to 18-4-1991 and the second petitioner was practising as an Advocate from 19-3-1987 to 15-4-2001. The respondent invited applications for appointment as District and Sessions Judges in the Kerala State Higher Judicial Service by direct recruitment. Clause 3 of Ext. P-7 notification reads as follows:

"3. Qualification for appointment:

A candidate for appointment as District Judge from the Bar shall satisfy the following conditions

(a) He shall be a Citizen of Indian Union.

(b) He shall not have completed 47 years of age on the first day of January. 2007.

(c) He shall be of good character.

(d) He s