The common issue raised in this batch of Writ Petitions is the entitlement of the employees of various District Co-operative Banks in the State for provisional promotion to the post of Branch Manager (to the post of Deputy General Manager in W.P.(C)No.19217 of 2018), against vacancies earmarked for direct recruitment, which are lying vacant in the absence of candidates advised by Kerala Public Service Commission. Since common issues are raised, the Writ Petitions were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.

2.1. W.P.(C)No.18684 of 2018:- Petitioners 1 to 3, who are presently working as Senior Accountant at Thottappilly Branch, Kayamkulam Evening Branch and Puthanangadi Branch, respectively of Alappuzha District Co-operative Bank have filed this Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking a writ of certiorari to quash Ext.P7 communication dated 20.4.2018 issued by the 4th respondent Registrar of Co-operative Societies and seeking a writ of mandamus commanding the 1st respondent District Co-operative Bank and the 2nd respondent Part-time Administrator to provisionally promote them to the post of Branch Manager. By Ext.P7 co