JUDGMENT :

Gopinath, J.

These original petitions have been filed by challenging the order of the Kerala Administrative Tribunal in OA No.2473/2016. OP (KAT) No.319/2018 is filed by the 6th respondent in OA No.2473/2016 while OP (KAT) 466/2019 has been filed by the Kerala Public Service Commission, the 1st respondent in OA No.2473/2016.

2. The facts fall within a very narrow compass and may be briefly noticed. The Kerala Public Service Commission issued a notification for filling up of vacancies of Tradesman in various trades including that of Welding in the Technical Education Department. The qualification prescribed for the post of Tradesman is 'a pass in Technical High School Leaving Certificate Examination or (I) pass in Secondary School Leaving Certificate or equivalent (ii) National Trade Certificate in the appropriate trade/pass in Vocational Higher Secondary Certificate Course in the appropriate trade/pass in Kerala Government Certificate in Engineering Examination in the appropriate trade.

3. The applicant before the Tribunal (who is the 1st respondent in both these original petitions) was qualified in terms of the notification. On publication of the ranked list, the applicant/