JUDGMENT Dated this the 26^th day of February, 2026 The writ petition is filed by the petitioner, who is presently working as Professor and Head of the Department of ENT at the Institute of Integrated Medical Sciences (Government Medical College), Palakkad, challenging the continued denial of retrospective promotion to the post of Professor with effect from the date of eligibility. The petitioner also challenges the restrictive portion of Ext.P5 Government Order, Ext.P6 promotion proceedings, Ext.P9 communication, and the continued non-consideration of Ext.P10 Review Petition.

2. The petitioner entered service as Associate Professor (ENT) pursuant to appointment order dated 27.02.2017 and joined duty on 10.03.2017. Her probation in the cadre was declared with effect from 29.03.2019.

3. In December, 2018, the Medical College issued notification inviting applications for the post of Professor (ENT), followed by constitution of a Selection Committee and conduct of walk-in interview on 07.01.2019. In the Ext.P2 rank list so prepared, the petitioner was placed at Rank No.1 and was the sole eligible candidate. Despite availability of vacancy, no appointment order was issued and the petition