The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) advertised 12 vacancies for the post of Boat Lascar, requiring a valid Lascar’s licence as an essential qualification. Jomon K.K., the appellant, applied with a Syrang’s licence (a higher qualification) and was selected, securing the top rank. However, he was later removed after the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) ruled that candidates without a valid Lascar’s licence were ineligible. The appellant challenged this decision in the Kerala High Court, which dismissed his plea. He then appealed to the Supreme Court. The Court expressed concerns about fairness, noting that allowing overqualified candidates, such as those holding a Syrang’s licence, could unfairly disadvantage Lascar-qualified candidates and disrupt the statutory framework and employment equity. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, upholding the High Court’s ruling.