The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to relieve empanelled drivers who are continuing in service beyond 180 days.

The Division Bench Bench of Justices V Chitambaresh and AM Babu passed the directive while disposing of a few writ petitions filed by candidates seeking a directive to appoint drivers from the rank list.

The court asked the KSRTC to relieve the drivers numbering around 1,565 before April 30. The court made it clear that the KSRTC was free to request the PSC to advise candidates from the rank list for the vacancies already reported if it so desires and the appointment, if any, shall be in accordance with the seniority in advice.

However, the court cautioned that the KSRTC shall not operate its services with empanelled drivers when those in the ranked list of the PSC are eager and willing to join duty if advised for appointment. The Bench pointed out that empanelled drivers were allowed to continue even after the expiry of 180 days in violation of Rule 9(2) of Part II of Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules.

The rules allows filling a vacancy temporarily in a post immediately owing to an emergency. However, the rules also stipulated that a person so appointed to a post (other than teaching post) shall not be allowed to continue in such post for a period exceeding 180 days.