Vacancies arising during the validity of a rank list should be filled from that list without new recruitment, subject to necessary approvals.

JUDGMENT Dated this the 8^th day of December, 2025 The petitioner is rank No.5 in Ext.P1 rank list for the post of Office Attendant in Korambayil Ahamed Haji Memorial Unity Women’s College, Manjeri.

2. The petitioner states that notified vacancies were filled up. During the validity of Ext.P1 rank list, two more vacancies of Office Attendants have arisen. The petitioner submitted Ext.P8 request before the 3^rd respondent seeking appointment. The 3^rd respondent has not appointed the petitioner so far, contends the petitioner.

3. This Court, in Smitha T. Pillai v. Joint Registrar (General) and others [2015 KHC 816] and Pannivizha Service Co-operative Bank Limited No.891 Adoor v. Smitha Pillai and others [ 2018 (2) KHC 611 ], has held that during the currency of a rank list, if any other vacancies arise, without initiating new recruitment process, the appointment can be done from the said rank list. The petitioner seeks the benefit of the said judgments.

4. Counsel representing the 3^rd respondent submitted that the vacancies have arisen during the currency of the rank list but, however, the Manager is disabled to fill up the vacancies without approval from the Government. 5. The Government Pleader submits that an intimation has been received to the effect that two vacancies of Office Attendant have arisen in the 3^rd respondent’s College and these can be filled up from the existing rank list.

In view of the stand taken by respondents 2 and 3, the writ petition is disposed of directing to fill up the vacancies of Office Attendant arisen during the currency of the rank list, from the candidates in the said list. Needless to say, the approval to the appointments so made will be subject to the approval to be granted to the promotees.