Home > Recent Judgements > SUPREME COURT GRANTS POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO LONG-SERVING SHORT-TERM EMPLOYEES
June 14, 2024
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OVERVIEW
In a significant ruling of ANAND PRAKASH MANI TRIPATHI VS. STATE OF U.P the Supreme Court of India has delivered justice to a group of employees who dedicated over three decades of service, despite being initially appointed on a short-term seasonal basis. On May 7, 2024, the Supreme Court granted post-retrial benefits to the Assistant Wasil Baki Navis (“AWBNs”) – appellants, recognizing their long and dedicated service.
CASE BACKGROUND
The case centres around 14 candidates who were appointed as AWBNs in the undivided district of Gorakhpur in 1981. These appointments were on a short-term seasonal basis. However, following the bifurcation of Gorakhpur and the creation of Maharajganj district, nine AWBNs continued in Gorakhpur while the appellants continued their service in Maharajganj.
On June 26, 1991, these five Seasonal AWBNs were regularized by the District Magistrate of Maharajganj. Unfortunately, their regularization faced a challenge at the local level, leading to their termination in October 1992.
LEGAL JOURNEY
The termination was contested by the appellants through writ petitions filed before the Allahabad High Court. The High Court passed interim orders staying the termination, allowing the appellants to continue their work. Eventually, a Single-Judge Bench quashed the termination order and directed that the appellants be deemed regularized from June 26, 1991, with all associated benefits.
However, this order was later set aside by the Division Bench of the High Court. The Division Bench ruled that the service period of the appellants would not count for retiral and pensionary benefits. This decision was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court.
SUPREME COURT’S RULING
The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma delivered the Supreme Court’s judgment, emphasizing the unreasonable and unfair nature of denying post-retiral benefits to individuals who had served for 30 to 40 years. Recognizing the exceptional circumstances and extended service period, the Court stated that it would be unreasonable and unfair to deny post-retirement benefits or terminal dues to the appellants, given that these benefits are granted to regular government employees.
RESTORING JUSTICE
Acknowledging the appellants’ extensive service and the prior orders of the Court, the Supreme Court restored the Single-Judge Bench’s order. This restoration granted the appellants all consequential benefits, including retiral and pensionary benefits. The Court also directed the State of Uttar Pradesh to ensure that these benefits are provided to the appellants within two months.
Key Takeaways
This landmark judgment underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to justice and fairness, particularly in cases involving long-serving employees. By granting post-retrial benefits to the AWBNs who served for over three decades, the Court has set a precedent that acknowledges and honours the dedication and service of employees, regardless of the initial terms of their appointment.
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