Case Note & Summary
The dispute arose from the appointment of the respondent as a Workshop Mechanic, later promoted to Workshop Instructor. The respondent, a Certificate holder, was placed in a lower pay scale compared to Diploma holders after a revision of pay scales. The respondent filed a Writ Petition alleging discrimination, which the High Court allowed, stating that no distinction was made between Diploma and Certificate holders at the time of recruitment, and thus, different pay scales could not be enforced. The State appealed, arguing that the different pay scales were justified based on educational qualifications. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, noting the absence of evidence to support the claim that a Diploma was a higher qualification than a Certificate. The Court emphasized that both types of holders were entitled to the same pay scale at the time of recruitment, and the High Court's decision was upheld as correct. The appeal was dismissed with costs, affirming the principle of equal pay for equal work.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Discrimination in Pay Scales - Equal Pay for Equal Work - Constitution of India, Article 14 - The High Court held that there was no distinction in recruitment between Diploma and Certificate holders for the post of Workshop Instructor, and thus, different pay scales based on educational qualifications were impermissible. The Supreme Court upheld this view, emphasizing that both qualifications were considered alike at the time of recruitment, and no material was presented to justify a distinction in pay scales. Held that the High Court did not err in its judgment (Paras 580-583).
Issue of Consideration
Whether different pay scales for Diploma holders and Certificate holders in the same post are permissible under Article 14 of the Constitution.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the High Court's decision that the respondent should not be placed in a pay scale lower than that of Diploma holders, with costs awarded to the respondent.
Law Points
- Equal pay for equal work
- discrimination in pay scales
- reasonable classification
- Article 14 of the Constitution
