JUDGMENT

A.Muhamed Mustaque, J.

Two young lady doctors are before us in these original petitions. They became mothers while they were undergoing post- graduation in MD Radiodiagnosis. Dr.Athira P., the petitioner in O.P.(KAT) No.507/2023 availed maternity leave for six months and Dr.Arya G. Krishnan, the petitioner in O.P.(KAT) No.521/2023 availed maternity leave for four months. They successfully completed post-graduation in the month of December 2022. As a result, their compulsory senior residency programme commenced belatedly. Dr.Athira will complete her one-year compulsory senior residency programme only on 17/01/2024 and Dr.Arya will complete her senior residency programme only by 15/01/2024.

2. The Kerala State Public Service Commission (PSC) invited applications for the post of Assistant Professor in Radiodiagnosis on 16/10/2023, for 9 vacancies. The last date fixed for receiving the application was 15/11/2023. One of the prescribed qualifications is that candidates should have one year experience as Senior Resident in Radiodiagnosis in a NMC recognised Medical College after acquiring post-graduate degree. As we observed earlier, the petitioners would complete their senior resi