P.Padmavathy V. Union of India

OP (CAT)/110/2023

AI Insights

The case involves a group of retired government employees who filed an Original Application (OA) before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), seeking a notional increment for pensionary benefits on the grounds that they had completed a full year of service just before their retirement. The CAT dismissed their application, leading to an appeal in the High Court of Kerala. The High Court, referencing a Supreme Court decision, overturned the CAT's decision, granting the employees the notional increment and directing the revision of their pensionary benefits accordingly.

• Counselvise Citation: [2023] 140 COUNSELVISE.COM (IT) 725713 (HC-KERALA)
• Appeal Type: Others
• Pronouncement Date: 21-08-2023
• Assessment Year: misc
• Other Referred Cases: The Director (Admn.and HR) KPTCL & Ors. v. C.P.Mundinamani & Ors., Civil Appeal No.2471 of 2023, WP.NO.15732/2017, Diary No.22283/2018, OA 180/213/2019, OA.180/1055/2018
• Laws Referred To: Articles 226 & 227 of the Constitution of India
• Result in Favour of: Others
• Court: HIGH COURT
• Department Lawyers: S MANU; SUVIN MENON
• Assessee Lawyers: K RAJA
• Keywords: Central Administrative Tribunal; Pensionary benefits; Retirement; Superannuation; Notional increment
• Section: 226; 227

Judgement Text

"IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN MONDAY, THE 21ST DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 30TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 110 OF 2023 OA.300 OF 2021 OF CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONERS/APPLICANTS IN THE OA 1 P.PADMAVATHY, AGED 73 YEARS W/O.LATE P.R.KRISHNAN KUTTY, RETIRED OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER (NW), NAVAL BASE, KOCHI - 682004, RESIDING AT KRISHNA VIHAR, PALIEKKARA. CHITTISSERY.P.O, THRISSUR DISTRICT., PIN - 680301 2 C.LEELAVATHY, AGED 63 YEARS (W/O.LATE M.GOPALAKRISHNAN, RETIRED ASSISTANT ENGINEER E/M, OFFICE OF THE CE (NW), NAVAL BASE, KOCHI - 682004), RESIDING AT MULLAKKAL HOUSE, PANTHAPARAMBU, KUNDUKADU, MUDAPPALUR.P.O, PALAKKAD DISTRICT., PIN - 678705 3 M.LAKSHMI DEVI, AGED 67 YEARS WIFE OF LATE T.A.UNNIKRISHNAN, RETIRED OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT, OFFICE OF THE CE (NW), NAVAL BASE, KOCHI - 682004), RESIDING AT AMRITA KRIPA, MADATHIL HOUSE, KUTTUMUKKU ROAD, MANNUMKADU LANE, CHEROOR.P.O, THRISSUR DISTRICT., PIN - 680008 BY ADV K.SANDESH RAJA RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS IN THE OA 1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110011 2 THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF, MES INTEGRATED HQ OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, KASHMIR HOUSE, RAJAJI MARG, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110011 3 THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS), DRAUPATI GHAT P.O, ALLAHABAD UTTAR PRADESH, PIN - 211014 4 THE CHIEF ENGINEER, SOUTHERN COMMAND, PUNE - 411001 5 THE CHIEF ENGINEER (NW) NAVAL BASE, KOCHI, PIN - 682004 SRI.S.MANU, DSGI THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 21.08.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: OP(CAT).110 of 2023 1 ALEXANDER THOMAS & C.JAYACHANDRAN, JJ. ---------------------------------------------------------------- OP(CAT).110 of 2023 [arising out of the impugned order dated 1.11.2022 in O.A.300/2021 of CAT, EKM Bench] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated this the 21st day of August, 2023 JUDGMENT Alexander Thomas, J. This Original Petition, filed under Articles 226 & 227 of the Constitution of India, is directed against the impugned Ext.P4 final order dated 1.11.2022 rendered by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Ernakulam Bench in O.A.No.300/2021. The petitioners herein are the applicants in the OA & the respondents herein are the respondents in the OA. 2. Heard Sri.K.Sandesh Raja, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and Sri.S.Manu, learned Deputy Solicitor General of India, instructed by Sri.Suvin R.Menon, learned Central Government Counsel, appearing for the respondents herein. 3. The prayers in the instant Original Petition are as follows : “(i) an appropriate order or direction setting aside Ext.P4 and to allow the Original Application No.180/00300/2021 with costs to the petitioners.” 4. The prayers in the instant Ext.P1/OA filed by the petitioners herein before the CAT are as follows :_ OP(CAT).110 of 2023 ..2.. “i) issue an order declaring that Applicant No.1 is entitled for one notional increment on 30.6.2009 for the purpose of pensionary benefits and not for any other purpose as she completed one full year of service from 1.7.2008 to 30.6.2009. ii) issue an order declaring that the husband of the 2nd applicant is entitled for one notional increment for the service from 1.1.2006 to 30.6.2006 as per proviso 10 to CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 and as per para 2(ii) of OM dated 30.8.2008 as ordered in the case of OA 180/213/2019 in Annexure A4 of this Hon’ble Tribunal. iii) issue an order declaring that the husband of applicant No.3 is entitled for one notional increment on 30.6.2008 for the purpose of pensionary benefits and not for any other purpose as he had completed one full year of service from 1.7.2007 to 30.6.2008. iv) issue an order to direct the respondents to re-fix the pay of the 1st applicant/husbands of the 2nd and 3rd applicants considering the notional increment and to revise the pension/family pension accordingly. v) issue an order to disburse the monetary benefits to the applicants with interest.” 5. The Tribunal, after hearing both sides, has rendered Ext.P4 final order dated 1.11.2022, dismissing the above OA along with a series of other OAs, on the main ground that the incumbent should have been in service as on the date on which he claims the benefit to be given and OP(CAT).110 of 2023 ..3.. whereas these applicants had retired from service consequent to the superannuation on the previous day. 6. The matter in issue is fully covered in favour of the petitioners herein, as per the common judgment dated 10.08.2023 rendered by the Division Bench of this Court in OP(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023, wherein, we have reversed Ext.P4 verdict of the Tribunal to the extent it applies to other OAs and in that regard, we mainly placed reliance on Ext.P5 judgment dated 11.4.2023 rendered by the Apex Court in Civil Appeal No.2471 of 2023 [arising out of SLP (C) No.6185/2020] in the case in The Director (Admn.and HR) KPTCL & Ors. v. C.P.Mundinamani & Ors. Accordingly, it is ordered that the reasonings and conclusions in the said verdict of this Court rendered on 10.8.2023 in OP(CAT).No.65/2023 and other connected cases, will relate to this case as well. 7. Accordingly, the impugned Ext.P4 verdict of the Tribunal, will stand set aside and it is ordered that there will be a direction that the respondents will grant one notional increment to the petitioners herein to revise their retiral benefits and pay its arrears thereon, after including such annual increment. For the sake of clarity and reference, it is ordered that, Registry will place a copy of the common judgment dated 10.8.2023 in OP(CAT).No.65/2023 and other connected cases, as an appendix to this OP(CAT).110 of 2023 ..4.. judgment. With these observations and directions, the above OP(CAT) will stand disposed of. Sd/- ALEXANDER THOMAS JUDGE Sd/- C.JAYACHANDRAN JUDGE Mrcs OP(CAT).110 of 2023 ..5.. APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 110/2023 PETITIONER ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE P.T.O NO.10 DATED 1-10- 2009. Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE EXTRACT OF THE ORDER DATED 15-9-2017 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS IN WP.NO.15732/2017. Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT IN DIARY NO.22283/2018 DATED 23-7-2018. Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE FINAL ORDER DATED 3-12- 2019 OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL IN O.A.180/1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES. Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 15.06.2020 SUBMITTED BY THE 1 ST APPLICANT TO THE 5 TH RESPONDENT. Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 09- 06-2020 SUBMITTED BY THE 2 ND APPLICANT TO THE 5 TH RESPONDENT. Annexure A7 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 27- 06-2020 SUBMITTED BY THE 3 RD APPLICANT TO THE 5 TH RESPONDENT. Annexure A8 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 08.09.2020 SUBMITTED BY THE 1 ST APPLICANT TO THE 4 TH RESPONDENT. Annexure A9 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 03.10.2020 SUBMITTED BY THE 3 RD APPLICANT TO THE 4 TH RESPONDENT. Annexure A10 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY DATED 16-9-2020 OF THE 4 TH RESPONDENT TO THE 1 ST APPLICANT. Annexure A11 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT DATED 1-9-2017 IN DIARY NO.23440/2017. Annexure A12 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT DATED 24-4-2018 IN CIVIL APPEAL ARISING OUT OF DIARY NO.8754/2018. Annexure R1 TRUE COPY OF LETTER NO. F.NO.A- OP(CAT).110 of 2023 ..6.. 23011/36/2013-AD.IIA DATED 18-10-2019 OF THE 1ST RESPONDENT Annexure R2 TRUE COPY OF OM NO.F.NO.1453545/2021- ESTT(PAY-1) DATED 24 JUNE 2021. Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION NO.180/00300/2021 DATED 25-6- 2021 FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT DATED 26- 7-2021 FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN O.A.300/21 BEFORE THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER DATED 1-9-2021 FILED BY THE APPLICANTS TO THE REPLY STATEMENT OF THE RESPONDENTS IN O.A.NO.300/21, BEFORE THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM. Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 1-11-2022 OF THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH IN O.A.NO. 180/00300/2021 AND CONNECTED OAS. Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 11/4/2023 OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/2023 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 65 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD. 1.11.2022 IN OA 524/2020 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONER/APPLICANT: VIJAYAN P.R AGED 63 YEARS S/O.P.R.RMAKRISHNAN NAIR, PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL OFFICER RETD., NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY, COCHIN, RESIDING AT KRISHNAKRIPA, JCRA 176, JAWAN CROSS ROAD, AIMS PONNEKKARA P.O., COCHIN, PIN - 682041 BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS: 1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PENSION AND PENSIONERS' WELFARE, JANPATH BHAWAN, B WING, 8TH FLOOR, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110001 2 DIRECTOR GENERAL, COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN, 2, RAFI MARG, SANSAD MARG AREA, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110001 3 DIRECTOR NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY, DONA PAULA, GOA, PIN - 403004 4 SCIENTIST-IN-CHARGE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY, REGIONAL CENTRE, BEHIND HIGH COURT OF KERALA, COCHIN, PIN – 682018 SRI.S.MANU, DY.SOLICITOR GENERAL OF INDIA OTHER PRESENT: SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 2 :- IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 67 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD.1.11.2022 IN OA 34/2020 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONER/APPLICANT: C.I.XAVIER AGED 68 YEARS S/O. LATE INASU, CRIME ASSISTANT, CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (RETD.), CHALISSERY VALAPPILA HOUSE, KARAMUCK, KADASSANKADAVU P.O THRISSSUR DIST., PIN - 680613 BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS: 1 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110001 2 DIRECTOR, CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, PLOT NO. 5B, 6TH FLOOR, CGO COMPLEX, LODHI ROAD, JAWAHARLAL NEHRU STADIUM MARG, NEW DELHI, DELHI, PIN - 110003 3 SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, SPECIAL CRIME BRANCH, MUTTATHARA, VALLAKADAVU P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN – 695008. 4 PAY AND ACCOUNTS OFFICER, CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, 1ST FLOOR, CBI BUILDING, PLOT NO.5B, CGO COMPLEX, LODHI ROAD, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110003. O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 3 :- 5 CHIEF CONTROLLER, CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE, TRIKOOT II COMPLEX, BHIKAJICAMA PLACE, R.K.PURAM, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110066. SRI.S.MANU, DY.SOLICITOR GENERAL OF INDIA SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 4 :- IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 68 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD.1.11.2022 IN OA 33/2020 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONER/APPLICANT: M.NATARAJAN AGED 75 YEARS S/O.LATE MUTHUKRISHNA IYER, SENIOR ACCOUNTANT (RETD.), CIVIL ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT, 'KRISHNAKRIPA', INDIRA ROAD, IRA 78, EDAPALLY P.O, COCHIN- 682024 BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS: 1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110001 2 PRINCIPAL CHIEF CONTROLLER OF ACCOUNTS, CENTRAL BOARD OF INDIRECT TAXES AND CUSTOMS, AGCR BUILDING(1ST FLOOR) NEW DELHI, PIN – 110002 3 DEPUTY CONTROLLER OF ACCOUNTS CENTRAL BOARD OF INDIRECT TAXES AND CUSTOMS 26/1, UTHAMAR GANDHI SALAI, NUGHAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI, PIN – 600034 4 PAY AND ACCOUNTS OFFICER CENTRAL EXCISE AND CUSTOMS CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, I.S.PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN – 682018 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 5 :- 5 CHIEF CONTROLLER CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE, TRIKOOT II COMPLEX, BHIKAJICAMA PLACE, R.K.PURAM, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110066 BY ADVS. SRI.S.MANU, DEPUTY SOLICITOR GENERAL OF INDIA SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 6 :- IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 71 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD.1.11.2022 IN OA 151/2020 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONER/APPLICANT: M T CHERIYAN AGED 70 YEARS S/O.M.M.THOMAS, DIVISIONAL COMMERCIAL MANAGER (RAILWAYS) (RETD), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DIVISION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, MEKKATTUPARAMBIL HOUSE, HARMONY STREET, LOURDPURAM, THRISSUR EAST, THRISSSUR, PIN – 680005. BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS: 1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING, NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110001 2 SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS, RAIL BHAVAN NEW DELHI, PIN – 110001. 3 FINANCIAL ADVISOR AND CHIEF ACCOUNTS OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS, PARK TOWN, CHENNAI, PIN – 680003. 4 PRINCIPAL CHIEF PERSONNEL OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS, PARK TOWN, CHENNAI, PIN – 600003. BY ADV S.MANU SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 7 :- IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 73 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD.1.11.2022 IN OA 673/2021 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONER/APPLICANT: R S ROSECHANDRAN AGED 72 YEARS S/O.V.RAMACHANDRAN, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE AND CUSTOMS (RETD.), OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE,CUSTOMS AND SERVICE TAX, COCHIN “RAAG', TC NO.27/601-1 GGRA 73, V.V.ROAD, VANCHIYOOR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN – 695035. BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS: 1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING, NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110001. 2 CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL TAXES AND CUSTOMS, CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, I.S. PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN – 682018. 3 COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL TAXES AND CUSTOMS CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDINGS, I.S.PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN – 682018. 4 PAY AND ACCOUNTS OFFICER, CENTRAL EXCISE, CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDINGS, I.S.PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN – 682018. BY ADV S.MANU SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 8 :- IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 84 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD.1.11.2022 IN OA 412/2020 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONERS/APPLICANTS 1 TO 9: 1 N.U.APPUKUTTAN, AGED 68 YEARS S/O.UNTACHY, INCOME TAX INSPECTOR (RETD), OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX (AUDIT) KOCHI, RESIDING AT NIKATHIL HOUSE, PATTANAM, VADEKKEKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683522 2 REMANI C AGED 68 YEARS W/O.SUJATHAN U.V., INCOME TAX INSPECTOR (RETD), OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, KOZHIKODE, RESIDING AT 35/233, LAKSHMI, VENGERI P.O., KOZHIKODE DISTICT, PIN - 673010 3 P.KOYA AGED 68 YEARS S/O.P.MUHAMMED, DY. DIRECTOR OF INCOME TAX (INVESTIGATION)(RETD),OFFICE OF THE DY.DIRECTOR OF INCOME TAX (INVESTIGATION), KOZHIKODE RESIDING AT RIYAS MAHAL, MUTHUR, TIRUR, PIN - 676101 4 T.C.SUDHEER BOSE, S/O.LATE T.V.CHANDRAN, AGED 65 YEARS, PRIVATE SECRETARY (RETD.), OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX (II) KOCHI, RESIDING AT THINAYAL HOUSE, POOYAPILLY, VADAKKEKARA.P.O., ERNAKULAM DISTRICT 683 522. 5 K.MANI AGED 73 YEARS S/O.KUNHIRAMAN ADIYODI, NOTICE SERVER (RETD), OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT COMMR.INCOME TAX CENTRAL CIRCLE, KOZHIKODE,THUVATTUTHAZHAM HOUSE, CHEVAYOOR P.O., KOZHIKODE DIST., PIN - 673017 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 9 :- 6 VASUDEVAN N.NAMBISAN AGED 73 YEARS S/O.LATE.P.NARAYANAN NAMBISAN, DY.COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX (RETD), OFFICE OF THE JOINT COMMR.OF INCOME TAX, PALAKKAD, RESIDING AT PARVATHI NIVAS, KANIYARKODE P.O.,THIRUVILLWAMALA, THRISSUR DISTICT, PIN - 680594 7 S.ARUNACHALAM PILLAI AGED 73 YEARS S/O.K.SUBRAMANIA PILLAI, DY.COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX (RETD), OFFICE OF THE CHIEF COMMR.OF INCOME TAX, THIRUVANANANTHAPURAM, RESIDING AT T C 94/2424, MITHRI LANE, THAMBURANMUKKU, VANCHIYOOR P.O, THRIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695035 8 T.SANTHA AGED 75 YEARS W/O.K.ACHUTHAN, SENIOR PRIVATE SECRETARY (RETD), OFFICE OF THE COMMR.OF INCOME TAX, KOZHIKODE, RESIDING AT 1/4746, POURNAMI, BILATHIKULAMROAD, NADAKKAVU P.O., KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673011 9 LILLY P.M AGED 70 YEARS W/O.VARGHESE V.L., ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (RETD), OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, THRISSUR, RESIDING AT D-36, MARUTHI APARTMENTS, ADIYAT LANE, POOTHOLE P.O., THIRSSUR DIST, PIN - 680004 BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS: 1 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110001. 2 PRINCIPAL CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, I.S. PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN - 682018 3 COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX-I CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, I.S. PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN - 682018 4 COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX (AUDIT) CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, I.S. PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN - 682018 5 COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX II, CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, I.S. PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN - 682018 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 10 :- 6 COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX (APPEALS), CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, MANANCHIRA, KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673001 7 ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX PALAKKAD RANGE, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678014 8 JOINT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX AYAKAR BHAVAN, ENGLISH CHURCH ROAD, PALAKKAD, PIN - 678014 9 DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INCOME TAX (INVESTIGATION) CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, MANANCHIRA, KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673001 10 ZONAL ACCOUNTS OFFICER CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES, 3RD FLOOR, SANJUAN TOWERS, BEHIND C R.BUILDINGS, OLD RAILWAY STATION ROAD, COCHIN, PIN - 682018 11 THE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX AAYAKAR BHAVAN, MANANCHIRA, KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673001 12 THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, CENTRAL CIRCLE, KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673001 13 THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX AAYAKARBHAVAN, KOWDIAR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695003 14 THE COMMISSIONER. OF INCOME TAX AAYAKAR BHAVAN, SHAKTHAN THAMPURAN NAGAR, THRISSUR H.O, THRISSUR, PIN – 680001. BY ADVS. SRI.S MANU, DSGI FOR R1 TO R14 SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 94 & 95 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 11 :- IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 94 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD.1.11.2022 IN OA 531/2020 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONER/APPLICANT: N.S.VIJAYAKUMAR, AGED 63 YEARS S/O.C.P.SIVARAMAN NAIR, HEAD HAVILDAR, CENTRAL EXCISE (RETD.), OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL TAX AND CENTRAL EXCISE, KOTTAYAM DIVISION, RESIDING AT VINU BHAVAN, NEERIKKAD P.O., KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN – 686564. BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS: 1 CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL TAX AND CUSTOMS, CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDINGS, I.S.PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN – 682018. 2 COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL TAX AND CUSTOMS, ICE BHAVAN, PRESS CLUB ROAD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN – 695001. 3 ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL TAX AND CENTRAL EXCISE, KOTTAYAM DIVISION, V PUBLISHERS BUILDING, SREENIVASA IYER RD., KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686001 4 PAY AND ACCOUNTS OFFICER, CENTRAL EXCISE, ICE BHAVAN, PRESS CLUB ROAD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN – 695001. O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 12 :- 5 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS' WELFARE, JANPATH BHAWAN, B WING, 8TH FLOOR, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110001 SRI.S.MANU, DY.SOLICITOR GENERAL OF INDIA SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84 & 95 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 13 :- IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN THURSDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 19TH SRAVANA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 95 OF 2023 AGAINST THE COMMON ORDER DTD.1.11.2022 IN OA 432/2020 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH PETITIONER/APPLICANT: ELIZABETH CHACKO, AGED 68 YEARS W/O. K.P.SUNNY, INCOME TAX OFFICER (RETD), OFFICE OF THE JOINT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, RANGE II, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, RESIDING AT T C 27/283, AKASH LANE, VANCHIYOOR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695035 BY ADV C.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR RESPONDENTS: 1 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING, NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110001. 2 PRINCIPAL CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, CENTRAL REVENUE BUILDING, I.S. PRESS ROAD, COCHIN, PIN – 682018. 3 COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, COMMISSIONERATE, ICE BHAVAN, PRESS CLUB ROAD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001 4 JOINT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, RANGE II, COMMISSIONERATE, ICE BHAVAN, PRESS CLUB ROAD, TRIVANDRUM, PIN - 695001 5 ZONAL ACCOUNTS OFFICER CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES, 3RD FLOOR, SANJUAN TOWERS, BEHIND C R. BUILDINGS, OLD RAILWAY STATION ROAD, COCHIN, PIN - 682018 BY ADV S.MANU, DY.SOLICITOR GENERAL OF INDIA SRI. T.V.VINU-CGC, SRI. SUVIN R. MENON-CGC THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.08.2023, ALONG WITH O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84 & 94 of 2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: [CR] ALEXANDER THOMAS & C. JAYACHANDRAN, JJ. ----------------------------------------------- O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 ----------------------------------------------- Dated this the 10th day of August, 2023 JUDGMENT C. Jayachandran, J. A common issue, which surfaced for consideration in as many as 16 Original Applications, has been disposed of by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Ernakulam Bench as per a Common Order dated 1.11.2022, whereby all the Original Applications were dismissed. The said Common Order is under challenge in the original petitions afore-referred. The common issue, which was considered by the Tribunal, the correctness of which we are called upon to decide, has the overtone, more of a legal nature, than factual, based on interpretation of the relevant Rules. The issue pertains to the question whether a Government O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 2 :- servant, who retired on the last working day of the preceding month, but whose annual increment falls due on the first of the succeeding month, is entitled for such increment? The legal imbroglio received different interpretation and answer by the various High Courts across the country, including that of ours. However, the issue has been finally settled by the Hon'ble Supreme Court by virtue of the authoritative pronouncement made in Director (Admn. and HR) KPTCL and Others v. C.P. Mundinamani and Others [2023 SCC OnLine SC 401], whereby the Hon'ble Supreme Court has recognised the claim of the retired employees, on an interpretation of the relevant statutory rule and accepting the views expressed in the judgments in this regard by the High Courts of Allahabad, Gujarath, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Madras; and disapproving the judgments which took a contrary view by a Full Bench of the O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 3 :- Andhra Pradesh High Court, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court and that of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. However, learned Central Government Counsel appearing for the respondents seriously persuaded us to draw a factual distinction based on the relevant Rules applicable, wherefore, we are impelled to consider the issue in detail. 2. Although we are dealing with 8 different Original Petitions, a separate assessment of the facts in each of these cases is not required, inasmuch as the issue for consideration in all these cases, as already indicated, is common. Suffice to notice that the petitioners herein have retired from their respective establishments on attaining the age of superannuation. As on the date of their retirement, they have earned an annual increment, which, however, is due and payable only O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 4 :- on the very next day. The request of the petitioners to reckon the annual increments for the purpose of retiral benefits did not find favour with the respondents/employers. They approached the Central Administrative Tribunal, Ernakulam Bench by filing the subject Original Applications. However, the O.As. were dismissed by the common impugned order by the Tribunal. The Tribunal took note of the relevant Rule, which contemplates grant of annual increment on first July or January, as the case may be, to arrive at a conclusion that employees concerned must continue as on the said date to claim the benefit of the annual increment, wherefore, an employee, who stood retired on the previous day, is not entitled for the same. The Tribunal also took note of the judgments rendered by the various High Courts and chose to toe in line with the judgment of the High Court of Himachal O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 5 :- Pradesh in Hari Prakash v. State of Himachal Pradesh and others [2020 SCC OnLine HP 2362]. The Tribunal also followed the judgment of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Madhavsingh Tomar and Others v. M.P.Power Management Co. Ltd. and Others [2020 SCC OnLine MP 4360] and also that of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in Principal Accountant General, Andhra Pradesh and another v. C.Subba Rao [2005 (2) ALT 25]. In dismissing the claim, the Tribunal also did not choose to follow the judgment of the Madras High Court in P.Ayyamperumal v. The Registrar and Ors. [CDJ 2017 MHC 6274]. The trump card of the petitioners/retired employees before us was the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in C.P.Mundinamani (supra), wherein the very issue is seen addressed elaborately, after taking note of the views of the various High Courts. The relevant Rule, which was considered by the Hon'ble Supreme O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 6 :- Court, was Regulation No.40(1) of the Karnataka Electricity Board Employees Service Regulations, 1997, which is extracted here below:- \"Drawals and postponements of increments 40(1) An increment accrues from the day following that on which it is earned. An increment that has accrued shall ordinarily be drawn as a matter of course unless it is withheld. An increment may be withheld from an employee by the competent authority, if his conduct has not been good, or his work has not been satisfactory. In ordering the withholding of an increment, the withholding authority shall state the period for which it is withheld, and whether the postponement shall have the effect of postponing future increments.\" 3. Based on the above Rule, it was argued before the Hon'ble Supreme Court that an increment accrues only from the day following that on which it is earned and therefore, the employee must necessarily be in service as on the date on which the increment accrues. An employee, who stood retired on the previous day, is not entitled for the benefit was O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 7 :- the contention raised. Another contention put forward was that annual increment is in the form of a good service which is an incentive for the concerned employee to serve effectively, as also, to render good service, which facility cannot be contemplated for an employee who is not in service. Relying upon the expression \"accrue\", as defined in Law Lexicon, it was argued that the word \"accrue\" means, to come into existence as an enforceable claim or right, based upon which, the argument was that the increment accrued only on the day following the retirement of the employees concerned and hence they are not entitled. The Hon'ble Supreme Court started addressing the issue from paragraph no.6 onwards. In paragraph no.6.3 the Supreme Court took stock of the contrary views expressed by the different High Courts on the issue. While, the High Courts of Andhra Pradesh O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 8 :- (Full Bench), Himachal Pradesh and Kerala took a view against the entitlement of the employees, the High Courts of Madras, Delhi, Allahabad, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Gujarath have taken a view in support of the employees' claim. In paragraph no.6.4 the Hon'ble Supreme Court rejected the argument that an increment is only an incentive to encourage an employee to perform well, which facility cannot be extended to a retired employee. In considering the issue as to whether an increment earned as on the date of retirement, but which accrues only on the next day, the Hon'ble Supreme Court, in paragraph no.6.5, adopted a purposive interpretation of the provision, the relevant findings of which are extracted here below:- \"6.5. Now, so far as the submission on behalf of the appellants that as the increment has accrued on the next day on O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 9 :- which it is earned and therefore, even in a case where an employee has earned the increment one day prior to his retirement but he is not in service the day on which the increment is accrued is concerned, while considering the aforesaid issue, the object and purpose of grant of annual increment is required to be considered. A government servant is granted the annual increment on the basis of his good conduct while rendering one year service. Increments are given annually to officers with good conduct unless such increments are withheld as a measure of punishment or linked with efficiency. Therefore, the increment is earned for rendering service with good conduct in a year/specified period. Therefore, the moment a government servant has rendered service for a specified period with good conduct, in a time scale, he is entitled to the annual increment and it can be said that he has earned the annual increment for rendering the specified period of service with good conduct. Therefore, as such, he is entitled to the benefit of the annual increment on the eventuality of having served for a specified period (one year) with good conduct efficiently. Merely because, the government servant has retired on the very next day, how can he be denied the annual increment which he has earned and/or is entitled to for rendering the service with good conduct and efficiently in the preceding one year.\" O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 10 :- 4. Thereafter, the Hon'ble Supreme Court quoted with approval the findings of the Delhi High Court in Gopal Singh v. Union of India and others [2020 SCC OnLine Del 2640] and that of the Allahabad High Court in Nand Vijay Singh and others v. Union of India and others [2021 SCC OnLine All 1090] and upheld the similar views expressed by the High Courts of Gujarath, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Madras. It was specifically found that denying the benefit which has been earned by an employee for reason of not being in service on the date on which it accrues would lead to arbitrariness and unreasonableness. The Hon'ble Supreme Court specifically held in paragraph no.6.7 that it does not approve the contrary views taken by (1) the Full Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in Principal Accountant General, Andhra Pradesh and another v. C.Subba Rao [2005 (2) ALT O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 11 :- 25:2005(2)L.L.N.592]; (2)the Kerala High Court in Union of India and another v. Pavithran [2022 SCC OnLine Ker 5922 : (2023) 1 KLT 200] and (3)the Himachal Pradesh High Court in Hari Prakash v. State of Himachal Pradesh and others [2020 SCC OnLine HP 2362]. Accordingly, the Hon'ble Supreme Court dismissed the appeal before it, confirming the judgment of the High Court of Karnataka, thereby granting the benefit of annual increment to the employees. For the sake of completion, we take note that C.P.Mundinamani (supra) has been followed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Union of India v. Sidharaj & Ors. [S.L.P.Nos.5699/23 and connected cases]. 5. The learned Central Government Counsel appearing for the respondents/employers argued that the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court has to be O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 12 :- read and understood in the context of the specific Rule which was considered in that judgment, that is to say, Regulation no.40(1) of the Karnataka Electricity Board Employees Service Regulations, 1997 and that the dictum cannot be extended as such to the fact situation herein, since the Rules in question are couched in a different language. In elaboration of the point, learned counsel invited the attention of this Court to Rules 17 and 24 of the Fundamental Rules, to contend that a provision similar to that of Regulation 40(1) of the Karnataka Electricity Board Employees Service Regulations is not present in the Fundamental Rules. A provision similar to that in the said Regulations stipulating that the increment accrues from the day following that on which it is earned is conspicuously absent in Fundamental Rule nos.17 and 24. Emphasis was made to the provision in O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 13 :- Fundamental Rule no.17 stipulating as to when a Government servant shall begin to draw the pay and allowances and when he or she will cease to draw the same. The expressions \"accrues\", \"earned\" and \"drawn\", as employed in the Karnataka Regulations, is not seen employed in the Fundamental Rules. Instead, the Fundamental Rules employ the words \"draw\", \"begin to draw\", \"cease to draw\", which leaves no room for any doubt that a person in the status of a retired employee cannot claim the benefit of an increment due after the date of retirement. 6. Our attention was also invited to Rules 33 and 34 of the Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, which deals with emoluments and average emoluments. Emphasising on the proviso to Note I to Rule 33, it was argued that any increment, not referred to in O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 14 :- Note 4, will not form part of the emoluments. Note 4 deals with an increment earned by the Government servant who was on earned leave, immediately before his retirement/death, which is not the fact situation in the instant case. Similar proviso regulates the case with respect to average emoluments dealt with in Rule 34. On such premise, it was argued that C.P.Mundinamani (supra) cannot govern the instant facts. 7. Per contra, all these arguments/claims were seriously refuted by Sri.C.S.Gopalakrishnan Nair, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners. 8. For a correct appreciation of the specific issues addressed before us it is necessary to note the changes effected to Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 pursuant O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 15 :- to the VIIth Central Pay Commission Recommendation. Rule 10 as it stood based on the VIth Central Pay Commission Recommendation reads as follows:- \"10. Date of next increment in the revised pay structure-There will be a uniform date of annual increment, viz 1st July of every year. Employees completing 6 months and above in the revised pay structure as on 1st July will be eligible to be granted the increment. The first increment after fixation of pay on 1.1.2006 in the revised pay structure will be granted on 1.7.2006 for those employees for whom the date of next increment was between 1st July, 2006 to 1st January 2007.\" 9. The amended Rule pursuant to the VIIth Central Pay Commission Recommendation reads as follows:- “10. Date of next increment in revised pay structure.- (1) There shall be two dates for grant of increment namely, 1st January and 1st July of every year, instead of existing date of 1st July: Provided that an employee shall be entitled to only one annual increment either on 1st January or 1st July depending on the date of his appointment, promotion or grant of financial upgradation. (2) The increment in respect of an employee appointed or promoted or granted financial upgradation including upgradation under O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 16 :- Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) during the period between the 2nd day of January and 1st day of July (both inclusive) shall be granted on 1st day of January and the increment in respect of an employee appointed or promoted or granted financial upgradation including upgradation under MACPS during the period between the 2nd day of July and 1st day of January (both inclusive) shall be granted on 1st day of July. Illustration: (a) In case of an employee appointed or promoted in the normal hierarchy or under MACPS during the period between the 2nd day of July, 2016 and the 1st day of January, 2017, the first increment shall accrue on the 1st day of July 2017 and thereafter it shall accrue after one year on annual basis: (b) In case of an employee appointed or promoted in the normal hierarchy or under MACPS during the period between 2nd day of January 2016 and 1st day of July, 2016, who did not draw any increment on 1st day of July, 2016, the next increment shall accrue on 1st day of January 2017 and thereafter it shall accrue after one year on annual basis: Provided that in the case of employees whose pay in the revised pay structure has been fixed as on 1st day of January, the next increment in the Level in which the pay was so fixed as on 1st day of January, 2016 shall accrue on 1st day of July, 2016: O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 17 :- Provided further that the next increment after drawal of increment on 1st day of July, 2016 shall accrue on 1st day of July, 2017. (3) Where two existing Grades in hierarchy are merged and the junior Government servant in the lower Grade happens to draw more pay in the corresponding Level in the revised pay structure than the pay of the senior Government servant, the pay of the senior government servant shall be stepped up to that of his junior from the same date and he shall draw next increment in accordance with this rule.\" 10. Rule 10 deals with the date on which an annual increment is payable to the employee. The rule, as it originally stood, contemplates a uniform date of first July of every year, whereas, the amended Rule pursuant to the VIIth pay commission recommendation contemplates two dates for grant of annual increment, namely, first January and first July of every year. It was provided that an employee shall be entitled to only one annual increment, either on first January or first July, depending upon the O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 18 :- date of his appointment, promotion, etc. The amended Rule came into effect from 1.1.2016, after which date the petitioners herein have admittedly retired on superannuation. Rule 10(2) employs the expression \"shall be granted\". 11. We notice that the language employed in the instant Rule does not make much of a difference from the language employed in C.P.Mundinamani (supra), or for that matter, the Rule which was the subject matter of interpretation by the various High Courts. The factual premise to the effect that an employee is entitled to an annual increment either on the first of January or on the first of July every year is not disputed. It is also not in dispute that the employees/petitioners before us would have been entitled to the annual increment on the next day of their retirement, had they O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 19 :- continued in service. The short question, which required to be focused, is whether the employee would become dis-entitled for the benefit of annual increment only for reason of their retirement on superannuation a day before the date on which the annual increment is payable/to be granted. Dehors the minor difference in the language employed, the issue which was considered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in C.P.Mundinamani (supra) and the instant issue before us is one and the same. That apart, the Hon'ble Supreme Court in paragraph no.6.5 had gone into the object and purpose of grant of annual increment, to find that an increment is earned for rendering service with good conduct in an year/specified period. The Hon'ble Supreme Court went on to find that the moment a Government servant has rendered service for a specified period with good conduct in a time scale, he is entitled O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 20 :- to the benefit of annual increment and that merely because the Government servant has retired a day prior to the date on which the benefit is due, the entitlement cannot be deprived. This logic and dictum of the Hon'ble Supreme Court cannot undergo any change on account of the minor difference in the language employed as between the Karnataka Regulations and the Fundamental Rules and Rule 10 of the CCS (Pension) Rules in question. As a matter of fact, the Karnataka Regulations contain a stricter provision, wherein it is explicitly stated that an increment though earned, accrues only on a particular day, whereas, in Rule 10, the provision is only to the effect that an increment shall be granted on a particular day. We could see no distinction worth the name as between the two Rules, so as to dislodge the dictum laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court after taking stock of the O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 21 :- divergent views of the various High Courts of the country. 12. The argument raised based on the proviso to Note I of Rule 33 of the Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules is that any increment other than the one referred to in Note 4, which is not actually drawn, shall not form part of the emoluments for the purpose of pension. We notice that the said argument is attractive in the first blush. Rule 33 of the CCS (Pension) Rules is extracted below:- \"Rule 33 33. Emoluments The expression ‘emoluments’ means basic pay as defined in Rule 9(21)(a)(i) of the Fundamental Rules which a Government servant was receiving immediately before his retirement or on the date of his death; and will also include non-practising allowance granted to Medical Officer in lieu of private practice. O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 22 :- Explanation:—Stagnation increment shall be treated as emoluments for calculation of retirement benefits. Note 1 - If a Government servant immediately before his retirement or death while in service had been absent from duty on leave for which leave salary is payable or having been suspended had been reinstated without forfeiture of service, the emoluments which he would have drawn had he not been absent from duty or suspended shall be the emoluments for the purposes of this rule: Provided that any increase in pay (other than the increment referred to in Note 4) which is not actually drawn shall not form part of his emoluments. Note 2 - Where a Government servant immediately before his retirement or death while in service had proceeded on leave for which leave salary is payable after having held a higher appointment, whether in an officiating or temporary capacity, the benefit of emoluments drawn in such higher appointment shall be given only if it is certified that the Government servant would have continued to hold the higher appointment but for his proceeding on leave. Note 3 - If a Government servant immediately before his retirement or death while in service had been absent from duty on extraordinary leave or had been under suspension, the period whereof does not count as service, the emoluments which he drew O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 23 :- immediately before proceeding on such leave or being placed under suspension shall be the emoluments for the purposes of this rule. Note 4 - If a Government servant immediately before his retirement or death while in service, was on earned leave, and earned an increment which was not withheld, such increment, though not actually drawn, shall form part of his emoluments: Provided that the increment was earned during the currency of the earned leave not exceeding one hundred and twenty days, or during the first one hundred and twenty days of earned leave where such leave was for more than one hundred and twenty days.” 13. Here again, we cannot appreciate and recognise the argument of the learned counsel for the respondents, inasmuch as the Hon'ble Supreme Court has recognised the right of the employees based on a purposive interpretation based on the object and concept based upon which an annual increment is granted. This is all the more so, in view of the findings of the Hon'ble Supreme Court that, depriving the benefit, which emanates from a O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 24 :- service which has been admittedly rendered, would lead to arbitrariness and unreasonableness, in the light of which, we can only find that the argument based on the proviso to Note I of Rule 33 is also squarely in the teeth of the arbitrariness and unreasonableness, as found by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. 14. In the result, these original petitions succeed and the impugned Common Order of the Tribunal is hereby set aside. We direct the respondents to grant one notional increment to the petitioners, as also, to revise their retiral benefits after including such annual increment. We direct that the above direction shall be complied within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. O.P.(CAT).Nos.65,67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -: 25 :- The original petitions are allowed as indicated above. Sd/- ALEXANDER THOMAS, JUDGE Sd/- C. JAYACHANDRAN, JUDGE skj O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 65/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE PPO NO. -NIO/PEN.CASE/565 Annexure A2 . TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DT:15.9.2017 IN WP NO.15732/2017 OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP DAIRY NO.22283/2018 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT. Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WP© NO.10509/2019 DT:23.1.2020 OF HIGH COURT OF DELHI Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP NO.13959/2020 DT:13.10.2020 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 8.12.2018 Annexure A7 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 21.12.2019 Annexure A8 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA NO.1055/2018 DT:3.12.2019 Annexure R1 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 18.10.2019 Annexure R2 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 21.01.2020 Annexure MA1 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN PRINCIPAL BENCH OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL HAS DISPOSED OF A NUMBER OF SUCH OAS BY ORDER DT:15.7.2021 Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.180/524/2020 BEFORE CAT ERNAKULAM BENCH Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE MA NO.464/2021 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO ALONG WITH COMMON JUDGMENT OF THIS HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH IN CWP NO.2503/ 2016 & CWPOA NO.663/2020 FILED BY THE COUNSEL FOR THE RESPONDENTS Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER DT:1.11.2022 IN OA NO.524/2020 OF CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/ 2023 DT:11.4.2023 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -2- APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 67/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE PPO NO. 495211300469 Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 15/09/2017 IN WP 15732/2017 OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP NO. 22283/2018 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 10/12/2018 Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE REMINDER DATED 5/8/2019 Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA 1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES DATED 3/12/19 Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.34/2020 OF CAT ERNAKULAM BENCH Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY R1 TO R4 DATED 03/12/2020 Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT:1.11.2022 IN OA NO.34/2020 Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/23 DT:11.4.2023 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -3- APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 68/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A9 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO. DY. CA/ CBIC/ SZ/ CHENNAI/ COORD./2018-19/22 DT:5.4.2019 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE PPO NO. 514080700092 Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE REVISED PPO ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT ON 20.7.2017 Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DT:15.9.2017 IN WP NO.15732/2017 OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP DAIRY NO.22283/2018 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:19.11.2018 Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO. COORD./ EXPDT./ COMPLAIN/ PT.01/18-19/200 DT:17.12.2018 Annexure A7 TRUE COPY OF THE REMINDER DT:25.2.2019 SUBMITTED TO THE 3RD RESPONDENT Annexure A8 TRUE COPY OF THE REMINDER DT:3.4.2019 SUBMITTED TO THE 3RD RESPONDENT Annexure A10 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA NO.1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES DT:3.12.2019 Annexure R1 TRUE COPY OF THE OFFICE MEMORANDUM DATED 03.02.2021 Annexure R2 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS IN P.AYYAMPERUMAL CASE WP NO.15732/ OF 2017 Annexure R3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF ANDRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD IN THE YEAR 2005 IN C.SUBBA RAO CASE-WP NO.22042 OF 2003 Annexure R4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN HON'BLE HIGH COURT DT:23.10.2018 IN -WP NO.9062/2018 Annexure R5 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF HON'BLE SUPREME COURT DATED 23.09.2015 DISMISSING THE SLP© DY.NO.6468/2019-WP NO.22042 OF 2003 Annexure R6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF HON'BLE SUPREME COURT IN THE CVIL APPEAL NO.3439 OF 2017 Annexure R7 TRUE COPY OF THE DOPT OFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE D24.06.2021 Annexure R8 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN HYDERABAD BENCH OF THE HON'BLE CAT IN OA NO.331/2019 AND 332/2019 DATED 4.6.2019 Annexure R9 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN HON'BLE CAT MADRAS BENCH DATED 19.3.2019 IN OA NO.310/000309/2019 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -4- Annexure R10 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF HON'BLE CAT MADRAS BENCH IN OA NO.310/000312/2019 Annexure R11 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF HON'BLE CAT MADRAS BENCH DATED 27.3.2019 IN OA NO.310/00026/2019 Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.180/33/2020 Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER DT:1.11.2022 IN OA NO.33/2020 OF CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/ 2023 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT, DT:11.4.2023 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -5- APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 71/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE PPO NO. 0601210991 Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE REVISED PPO NO. 20117060100105 Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 15.09.2017 IN WPC 15732/2017 Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP NO. 22283/2018 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 27/01/2020 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 4TH RESPONDENT Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA NO. 1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES DATED 03/12/2019 Annexure R1 TRUE COPY OF THE OM NO.1396752/2019-ESTT (PAY-I) DATED 11/11/2019 Annexure R2 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED5/4/2021 OF THE HONOURABLESUPREME COURT OF INDIA IN SLP 4722/2021 Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO 180/00151/2020 Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REPLY STATEMENT Exhibit4 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT:1.11.2022 IN OA NO.180/00151/2020 Exhibit P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/23 DT:11.4.2023 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -6- APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 73/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE PPO NO. 514081200357 Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DT:15.9.2017 IN WP NO.15732/2017 OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP DAIRY NO.22283/2018 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:9.7.2021 Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO. F NO. GEXCOM/III/(20) /249/2021 ACCTS DATED 09/11/2021 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA NO.1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES DT:3.12.2019 Annexure R1 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER F.NO.4-21/2017/IC/E.III(A) DT:31.7.2018 Annexure R2 TRUE COPY OF THE OM NO..19/2/2018-ESTT.(PAY- I) DATED 03.02.2021 Annexure R3 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 06.11.2020 IN CWP 2503 OF 2016 Annexure R4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 23.10.2018 IN UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS VS.G.C.YADAV Annexure R5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 13.03.2019 IN MA NO.71/2019 (IN) &OA NO.170/2019 Annexure R6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 19.03.2019 IN OA NO.310/00309 /2019 Annexure R7 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 19.03.2019 IN OA NO.310/00312 /2019 Annexure R8 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 27.03.2019 IN OA NO.310/00026/2019 Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.180/00673/2021 Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT:1.11.2022 IN OA NO.673/2021 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/2023 DT:11.4.2023 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -7- APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 84/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.572081200492 (1ST PETITIONER) Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.572081200458 (2ND PETITIONER) Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.572081200443 (3RD PETITIONER) Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.572081500202 (4TH PETITIONER) Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.57208.07.0038.0 (5TH PETITIONER) Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO.NO.57208.07.0040.1 (6TH PETITIONER) Annexure A7 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.57208.07.0042.3 (7TH PETITIONER) Annexure A8 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.57208.08.00338 (8TH PETITIONER) Annexure A9 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO572081000395 (9TH PETITIONER) Annexure A10 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO572081000373 (10TH PETITIONER) Annexure A11 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO57208.06.0043.1 (11TH PETITIONER) Annexure A12 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DT:15.9.2017 IN WP NO.15732/2017 Annexure A13 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP DAIRY NO.22283/2018 Annexure A14 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT:3.12.2019 IN OA NO.1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES Annexure A15 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 27.1.2020 (1ST PETITIONER) Annexure A16 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:10.7.2019 (2ND PETITIONER) Annexure A17 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 7.7.2019(3RD PETITIONER) Annexure A18 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:27.1.2020 (4TH PETITIONER) Annexure A19 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:9.7.2019 (5TH PETITIONER) Annexure A20 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 15.2.2020 (6TH PETITIONER) Annexure A21 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 11.7.2019 (7TH PETITIONER) O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -8- Annexure A22 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:5.7.2019(8TH PETITIONER) Annexure A23 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 8.7.2019 (9TH PETITIONER) Annexure A24 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:12.8.2019(10TH APPLICANT IN OA) Annexure A25 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT:25.2.2020(11TH APPLICANT IN OA) Annexure R1 TRUE COPY OF THE OM NO. 1396752/2019-ESTT. (PAY-I) DATED 11.11.2019 ISSUED BY THE DOPT TO MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS. Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.180/412/2020 BEFORE CAT ERNAKULAM BENCH Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA NO.412/2020 DT:1.11.2022 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/23 DT:11.4.2023 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -9- APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 94/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DT:15.9.2017 IN WP NO.15732/2017 OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP DAIRY NO.22283/2018 DATED 23/07/2018 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN WP© NO.10509/2019 DT:23.1.2020 Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP NO.13959/2020 DT:13.10.2020 Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 15.7.2020 Annexure A6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA NO.1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES DT:3.12.2019 Annexure R1(A) TRUE COPY OF THE OM NO. F.NO.19/2/2018- ESTT(PAY-1) ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING DATED 03.02.2021 Annexure R1(B) TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 06.11.2020 IN CWP 2503 OF 2016 ISSUED BY THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH Annexure R1(C) TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 13.3.2019 IN M.A.NO. 71/ 2019 (IN) (&) OA.NO.170/2019 OF CAT MADRAS BENCH Annexure R1(D) TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 19.3.2019 IN OA NO.310/00309/2019 OF CAT MADRAS BENCH Annexure R1(E) TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 19.3.2019 IN OA NO.310/00312/2019 OF CAT MADRAS BENCH Annexure R1(F) TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 27.3.2019 IN OA NO. 310/00026/2019 OF CAT MADRAS BENCH Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.180/531/2020 Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT:1.11.2022 IN OA NO.531/2020 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/23 DT:11.4.2023 O.P.(CAT).Nos.65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 84, 94 & 95 of 2023 -10- APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 95/2023 PETITIONER'S ANNEXURES Annexure A1 TRUE COPY OF THE OF THE PPO NO.041781200018 Annexure A2 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DT:15.9.2017 IN WP NO.15732/2017 OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Annexure A3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN SLP DAIRY NO.22283/2018 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT Annexure A4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT:3.12.2019IN OA NO.1055/2018 AND CONNECTED CASES Annexure A5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DT: 25.3.2020 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.180/432/2020 Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT DATED 10/02/2022 FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT:1.11.2022 IN OA NO.432/2020 Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.2471/23 DT:11.4.2023 "