Siri Jagan, J.

This matter relates to appointment to the post of Pharmacist Grade II in the Department of Homeopathy under the Government of Kerala. In 1995, the Kerala Public Service Commission (for short 'the PSC') invited applications for selection to the post of Pharmacist Grade II in the Department of Homeopathy under the Government of Kerala. Notification dated 2-9-1995 was published in the official gazette on 17-10-1995. The last date for submission of applications; was 29-11-1995. A written test and interview were conducted and the rank list dated 27-6-2003 was published. In the meanwhile, the Government issued the Special Rules for the, Homeopathy Subordinate Service Rules, 1999, in supersession of all existing Rules and Orders on the subject prescribing qualifications for the various posts in the Homeopathy Subordinate Service, including those for the post, of Pharmacist Grade II by changing the previously existing minimum qualifications prescribed for appointment to the said post with effect from 12-4-1999. A dispute arose as to whether after the amendment to the Rules vacancies could be filled up from the list published by the PSC, which was prepared based on