JUDGMENT

Ashok Bhushan, CJ

The writ appeal and the writ petition raising same questions of facts and law have been heard together and are being decided by this common judgment. For deciding both the cases, it is sufficient to refer to the facts of W.P(C) No.4957 of 2016 giving rise to W.A No.694 of 2016. The parties shall be referred to as described in the writ petition.

2. The petitioners are working as medical officers in Health Service Department of Government of Kerala. They are aspirants for admission to Medical Post Graduate Degree/Diploma Courses, 2016 in service quota. The Prospectus for admission to Postgraduate Courses, 2016 was issued by the Director of Medical Education as approved by Government order dated 10.12.2015. Clause 7.1.3 provided for award of weightage marks for difficult rural areas and rural areas for candidates in service quota. Clause 7.1.3 as notified in the Prospectus is as follows:

“7.1.3 Preparation of Seniority list under Health Service Quota:- The merit list for candidates in service quota under HSQ will be prepared by the CEE after awarding due weightage marks for Difficult rural Service and Rural service, put in by the candidates qualifying the examin