JUDGMENT :

Projected in this writ petition are the subtleties and nuances of the well entrenched concepts of “Quota – Rotation” in service jurisprudence. This doctrine, better known as the “Quota – Rota Rule” applies when there are more than one source of recruitment to a post.

2. The essential argument impelled is that a “quota” in recruitment is interlocked with “rota” and therefore, that seniority in the cadre is to be fixed as per the third proviso to Rule 27A of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules (KS & SSR). However, as is now settled, the “Quota Rule” does not inevitably, invoke the application of the 'Rota Rule” and will depend whether a particular roster is stipulated in the applicable Rules or Regulations for figuring out the placement of officers on entry.

3. The above issues have been called into focus in this case in relation to the post of Assistant Engineer in the Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd. (for short, 'the KSEB').

4. A quick travel through the unexpendable facts will first be apposite.

5. The petitioners are stated to be Assistant Engineers working with the KSEB; and have approached this Court assailing Ext.P38 Provisional Seniority List of Assistant