KOCHI: The Kerala High Court Monday rejected the plea of empanelled employees terminated from Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The verdict in PSC rank holders case is applicable to KSRTC. So, vacancies should be filled via PSC, the court directed KSRTC while approving the plea of those who obtained PSC advice memo.

If there is a dispute over compensation, the empanelled employees can approach the industrial arbitration court. Nobody forced them to work for low wages. KSRTC gave them false hopes. The court criticised KSRTC for not giving a clear answer on vacancies.

Service rule is that the service of temporary employees appointed via employment exchange in emergency situations should not exceed 180 days. Vacancies in KSRTC should be reported to PSC from time to time. The court clarified that the government need to intervene only if disputes are found in appointment. The case was settled by a bench led by Justice V Chidambaresh and Justice Narayana Pisharadi.