Supreme Court Verdict Upholds Kerala PSC's Policy on Higher Qualifications

The Supreme Court upheld the Kerala Public Service Commission's decision to accept higher qualifications for the post of Junior Public Health Nurse Grade II. This supports the High Court's and Administrative Tribunal's rulings in favor of a candidate with a Diploma in General Nursing, acknowledging Rule 10's relevance and expert recommendations.

The Supreme Court has affirmed the Kerala Public Service Commission's (KPSC) policy allowing higher qualifications than those originally prescribed for the recruitment of Junior Public Health Nurse Grade II. The ruling, made by a bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Sanjay Karol, upholds previous decisions by the Kerala High Court and the Kerala Administrative Tribunal.

The case stemmed from a 2012 notification requiring an Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) certificate, challenged by Elizabeth Thomas, who held a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). The Kerala High Court and the tribunal ruled in her favor, advocating that a higher qualification presupposes a lower one, in alignment with Rule 10 of the Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958.

An expert review by KPSC's Academic Committee concurred, recognizing the Diploma as superior to the certificate, thus broadening the criteria for recruitment. With the Supreme Court's dismissal of the appeal, the decision will now apply to current and future recruitments, securing compliance with judicial directives.

(With inputs from agencies.)