Authority: Supreme Court of India (Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dipankar Datta, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu)
Order Date: 09-10-2026
Case Overview
- Petition: Special Leave Petition (C) No. 28310/2024 filed by Nikhil S. against Kerala Public Service Commission & others, arising from the impugned final judgment and order dated 11‑09‑2024 of the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam (OPKAT No. 31/2023).
- Subject Matter: The petitioner seeks direction regarding his appointment as Range Forest Officer, contending that the appointment process may have violated the 25% reservation quota stipulated in Rule 3(3)(i)(a) of the Kerala Forest Service Special Rules, 2010.
- Procedural History: The Supreme Court heard the matter on 09‑10‑2026, noted the need for factual clarification on the number of posts filled under the notification dated 14 December 2017 and the petitioner’s participation in any subsequent recruitment processes.
Final Outcome
1. The petition was heard in‑part.
2. The matter is re‑listed for hearing on 29 October 2026.
3. The State of Kerala is directed to file an affidavit within 10 days stating the exact number of Range Forest Officer posts filled pursuant to the 14 December 2017 notification and whether appointing the petitioner would exceed the 25% quota under the relevant rule.
4. The petitioner is also required to file an affidavit within 10 days confirming whether he participated in any recruitment processes for the Range Forest Officer post after the said notification.
Topics: Legal Proceedings, Public Service Recruitment