JUDGMENT :

P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN, J.

1. The above Original Petition (KAT) is filed by the respondent in O.A.(EKM)1971 of 2016 on the file of the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (hereinafter mentioned as 'Tribunal'). The Original Application was filed by the respondents herein (hereinafter parties are mentioned according to their rank before the Tribunal).

2. The Kerala Public Service Commission (for short KPSC), invited applications from qualified candidates for the post of Women Sub Inspectors of Police (Trainee) as per Ext P1(A1) Notification. The method of appointment is mentioned in clause 5 of Ext P1(A1) Notification. There are 4 categories mentioned in the above clause namely, Category No.5/16 to Category No.8/16. Applicants applied for Category No.7/16 which is a recruitment from among the Women Graduate Police Constables, Head Constables, and officers of corresponding rank in Police and Vigilance Department, who have completed probation.

3. Applicants are presently working as Women Civil Police Officers under the Police Department. An OMR test was conducted on 28.5.2016 by the K