High Court of KeralaDivision BenchOriginal Petitions allowed

OP (CAT) Nos. 188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015 v Union of India and others

Case / Petition Number:OP (CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • S. V. Bhatti
  • Basant Balaji Thurday
Judgment Date
2023-03-23
Court Decision / Holding
Original Petitions allowed; Tribunal orders directing financial upgradation of Grade Pay in the promotion hierarchy are set aside in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Mohanan Nair (2020) and the applicable pay rules.
Final Disposition
Original Petitions allowed

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Union of India, represented by its Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi
  • Director General, Naval Armament Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy)
  • Chief General Manager, Naval Armament Depot

Respondents

  • P. Sethumadhavan
  • P S Sanu
  • M.K Mohammed Koya
  • D Girijakum ar
  • T Kunchu
  • T N Shaji
  • Jayasree M.D
  • Shakkeela A Shukoor SD/o. Saidu Muhammed Rawther
  • Varghese M.J
  • N.G.Jery
  • S.Sasikumar
  • P.R.Sha ji
  • Geetha A.S
  • Latha M.G
  • L.Ajithakulmari
  • Mary Michael
  • Anitha Nair
  • Nancy Jose

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • T. V. Vinu
  • • K. S. Prenjith Kumar

Counsels for Respondents

  • • Shafik M.A.
  • • Asokan M. Cherian
  • • K. Janardhana Shenoy
  • • T. R. Renjith
  • • R. Rohith

Case Synopsis & Summary

This batch of Original Petitions (OP CAT) challenges orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal (Ernakulam Bench) directing financial upgradation of Grade Pay within the next promotion hierarchy for personnel of the Naval Armament Depot and All India Radio cadre. The petitioners, i.e., Union of India and related authorities, contend that the Tribunal’s directions are inconsistent with statutory pay structures and the DoP&T guidelines governing revised pay rules. The respondents are the individual employees who sought such upgradation. The matter was heard by a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court (Justices S. V. Bhatti and Basant Balaji Thurday) on 23 March 2023, with the court noting that the core issue is whether the respondents are entitled to the financial upgradation at the subsequent promotion level. Counsel for the petitioners invoked the Supreme Court’s later decision in Union of India v. M. V. Mohanan Nair (2020), which the bench treated as controlling, indicating the batch petitions should be resolved in the petitioners’ favour. The petitioners anchored their position on the Central Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 and related DoP&T guidance. The respondents argued for upgradation based on Tribunal orders and policy instruments. Ultimately, the court held that Mohanan Nair governs and allowed the petitions, reversing the Tribunal’s orders and denying the requested upgradation. The decision clarifies that financial upgradation at the next promotion level is not automatically warranted in these cases.

Provisions of Law Cited

Central Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 (Part A, First Schedule)DOP&T Office Memorandum No.35034/3/2008-ESTT.(D) dated 19.5.2009

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend that the core issue involves the financial upgradation of Grade Pay within the next promotion hierarchy. Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Union of India v. M. V. Mohanan Nair (2020), they argue that the Tribunal’s directions are not sustainable in light of statutory pay rules and DoP&T guidance (Central Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 and the 2009 OM). The petitions seek reversal of the Tribunal orders and affirmation of the petitioners’ interpretation of pay rules.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents contend they are entitled to financial upgradation of Grade Pay in the promotion hierarchy, supported by Tribunal adjudications and relevant DoP&T guidance. They rely on prior CAT orders and annexures to argue that policy and statutory provisions warrant upgradation; they urge that Mohanan Nair should not categorically bar their claims without full consideration of the facts before the CAT.

Cited Precedents (4)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Union of India v. M. V. Mohanan Nair2020 (5) SCC 421PositiveSupreme Court decision relied upon by the Kerala High Court to overturn the Tribunal orders in the present batch.
Union of India & Another v. P. V. Hariharan NairUnknown (1997)Mentioned OnlyAnnexure R1 cites the 1997 Supreme Court judgment; not detailed in the provided text.
P. U. Joshi & Others v. Accountant & OthersUnknown (2022)Mentioned OnlyAnnexure R2 cites the 2022 Supreme Court judgment; referenced but not analyzed in the excerpt.
Order in WP(C) No. 4662/2013 (Delhi High Court)WP(C)4662/2013Mentioned OnlyCited in the appended exhibits; used for background, not central to the reasoning in the excerpt.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI THURSDAY, THE 23[RD] DAY OF MARCH 2023 / 2ND CHAITHRA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 188 OF 2014** ## **AGAINST THE ORDER IN OA 1111/2013 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE** **TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - 1 UNION OF INDIA, REP BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, NEW DELHI-110001 - 2 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF NAVAL ARMAMENT INTEGRATED HEADQUARTERS, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (NAVY )RK PURAM, NEW DELHI-110001 - 3 THE CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYS-683633 BY ADVS. SHRI.T V VINU CGC, K.S.PRENJITH KUMAR ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - 1 P. SETHUMADHAVAN AGED 51 YEARS S/O.LATE C KUNHAN NAIR, UPPER DIVISION CLERK, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683563, R/APATTERIPPATT HOUSE, K PURAM P O, VIA TANALUR, MALAPPURAM DIST, PIN-676307 **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-2-** - 2 P S SANU - AGED 48 YEARS S/O.LATE P K SADANANDAN, UPPER DIVISON CLERK, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWYE-683563, R/APARAYANGATTUTHARA HOUSE,VALLARPADAM, PANAMBUKAD P O, ERNAKULAM-682031 - 3 M.K MOHAMMED KOYA AGED 55 YEARS S/O.LA M K KUNJUMOHAMMED, UPPER DIVISION CLERK, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWYA-683563, R/A.MANJIPPILLIL HOUSE C,CHERUVATTUR P O, KOTHAMANGALAM-686691 - 4 D GIRIJAKUMAR AGED 53 YEARS W/O.LATE G VIJAYAKUMAR, UPPER DIVISION CLERK, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683563, R/A.'ATHEM'NEAR THRIKKAKARA TEMPLE, THRIKKAKARA P O, ERNAKULAM-682021 - 5 T KUNCHU AGED 49 YEARS S/O.LATE K THEETHY, LOWER DIVISION CLERK, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683563, R/A.KOLLAMOOCHI HOUSE, MELARCODE P O, ALATHUR, PALAKKAD-678703 - 6 T N SHAJI - AGED 49 YEARS S/O. LATE NARAYANAN KELA, LOWER DIVISION CLERK, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683563, R/A.'THEKKUMKUDY HOUSE', PLAMUDY P O, ERNAKULAM DIST-686692 BY ADV SRI.SHAFIK M.A. THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 23.03.2023, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).95/2015, 124/2015 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-3-** ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI THURSDAY, THE 23[RD] DAY OF MARCH 2023 / 2ND CHAITHRA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 95 OF 2015** ## **AGAINST THE ORDER OA NO.180/00047/2014 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE** ## **TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - 1 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING, SHASTRI BHAVAN, NEW DELHI - 110 001. - 2 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL ALL INDIA RADIO NEW DELHI - 110 001. - 3 THE STATION DIRECTOR ALL INDIA RADIO, CALICUT - 673 570. BY ADVS. ASSISTANT SOLICITOR GENERAL SRI.T.V.VINU, CGC ## **RESPONDENT/S:** P.K.MOHAMMED ABDUL HAKEEM S/O.P.K.AFEEFUDDIN, NEWS READER CUM TRANSLATORGRADE III, REGIONAL NEWS UNIT, ALL INDIA RADIO, CALICUT, RESIDING AT NO.D1-MALABAR MANNOR, PATTERI, P.O.KUTHIRAVATTOM, CALICUT - 673 016, KOTTOOLIAMSOM DESOM, KOZHIKODE, KERALA. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-4-** BY ADV SRI.R.SREERAJ THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 23.03.2023, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).188/2014 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-5-** ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI THURSDAY, THE 23[RD] DAY OF MARCH 2023 / 2ND CHAITHRA, 1945 OP (CAT) NO. 124 OF 2015** ## **AGAINST THE ORDER OA 180/00182/2014 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE** ## **TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - 1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI - 110 011. - 2 THE SECRETARY MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, NIRMAN BHAVAN, NEW DELHI - 110 011. - 3 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (CPWD), NIRMAN BHAVAN, NEW DELHI - 110 011 BY ADVS.ASSISTANT SOLICITOR GENERAL SRI.T.V.VINU, CGC ## **RESPONDENT/S:** **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-6-** - 1 ANTO C.G - S/O. C.C.GEORGE, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, CALICUT PROJECT DIVISION, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, NIT CAMPUS, CALICUT - 673 601, RESIDING AT CHIRAMMAL HOUSE, P.O.PAZHUVIL, THRISSUR DISTRICT - 680 564. - 2 S.VENUGOPALAN NAIR S/O. LATE NARAYANAN NAIR, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF TRICHUR CERRTRAL SUB DIVISION NO.I, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MUNDASSERRY MEMORIAL HALL, CHEEMBUKKAVU, TRICHUR - 680 020, RESIDING AT F/28, PILLAVEEDU NAGAR, KESAVADASAVPURAM, TRIVANDRUM - 695 004. - 3 SANY JOSEPH - S/O. JOSEPH M.J, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF CPSD II, CENTRAL PWD, NIT CAMPUS, CALICUT KERALA - 673 601, RESIDING AT THUNDIYIL HOUSE, HOUSE NO. 37/1153 D, PANAKKATTUPARAMBA, KARUVISSERY, CALICUT, KERALA - 673 010. - 4 ASOKAN N S/O. LATE KUMARAN K, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, KASARAGOD PROJECT DIVISION, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, A 31, AL-HILAL PLAZA, RAMNAGAR ROAD, LOTTACHERY, KANHANGAD, KASARAGOD DISTRICT, KERALA - 671 315, RESIDING AT THUSHARAM, NEAR KOYYOTTUPALAM, POST MUNDERI, VIA - EACHURE, KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA - 670 591. - 5 RETHNAKUMARI V.S - D/O. K.P.VELUKUTTY NAIR, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, CALICUT CENTRAL CIRCLE, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT KENDRIYA BHAVAN, M.S.BABURAJ ROAD, KALLAI, CALICUT - 673 003, RESIDING AT 21/260, SUVARNALAYAM, SOUTH VILLAGE, THATTHAMAMANGALAM P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 102. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-7-** - 6 ABOOBAKER PALOLI S/O. MOHAMMED PALOLI, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, CALICUT CENTRAL CIRCLE, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, KENDRIYA BHAVAN, M.S.BABURAJ ROAD, KALLAI, CALICUT - 673 003, RESIDING AT PALOLI HOUSE, CHOLOOR, KODUR, MALAPPURAM - 676 504. - 7 JAYASREE M.D - D/O. P.K.KRISHNAN NAIR, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROJECT MANAGER, CALICUT PROJECT ZONE, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, KENDRIYA BHAVAN, M.S.BABURAJ ROAD, KALLAI, CALICUT - 673 003, RESIDING AT QTR. NO. 43, GPRA QUARTERS, KALLAI P.O., CALICUT - 673 003. - 8 SHAKKEELA A SHUKOOR SD/O. SAIDU MUHAMMED RAWTHER, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF KOTTAYAM CENTRAL DIVISION, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING, SASTRI ROAD, KOTTAYAM - 686 001, RESIDING AT DARUSSLAM, COLLECTORATE P.O., KOLLAYAM - 686 002. ## 9 VARGHESE M.J S/O. M.K.JOHN, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF TRIVANDRUM CENTRAL SUB DIVISION V, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, POONKULAM, VELLAYANI P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 522, RESIDING AT MALAMPARACKCKAL HOSUE, MANGANAM P.O., KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, KERALA - 686 018. - 10 N.G.JERY - S/O. N.J.GEORGE, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER COCHIN CENTRAL DIVISION CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT KENDRIYA BHAVAN, KAKKANAD, KOCHI - 682 037, RESIDING AT NERIAMKOT HOUSE, SOUTH CHITTOOR P.O., COCHIN - 682 027. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-8-** - 11 S.SASIKUMAR S/O. K.SANKARAN NAIR, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER, SZ(V) CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, CGO COMPLEX, VELLAYANI P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 522, RESIDING AT 'KARTHAYANI', VELLAYANI P.O., TRIVANDRUM - 695 522. - 12 P.R.SHAJI - S/O. SHAJI, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER, SZ V, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT POONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, RESIDING TAT PAZHAVILA HOUSE, THEVALLY P.O., KOLLAM - 691 009. - 13 GEETHA A.S - D/O. A.R.V.SHARMA, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, TCEC, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, CGO COMPLEX, POONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 522, RESIDING AT NO.22, TYPE III QUARTERS, POONKULAM VELLAYANI P.O., TRIVANDRUM. - 14 LATHA M.G - D/O. P.K.GANGADHARAN, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF THE TRIVANDRUM CENTRAL CIRCLE, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, CGO COMPLEX, POONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, RESIDING AT JANAKI NIVAS, JUDGE ROAD, KARARMANA, TRIVANDRUM - 695 002. - 15 L.AJITHAKUMARI - D/O. R.NATARAJAN, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF TRIVANDRUM CENTRAL DIVISION, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, CGO COMPLEX, POONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 522, RESIDING AT SREE HARI, MGRAF 30, OPP. LORDS HOSPITAL, MULLOOR ROAD, ANAYARA P.O., TRIVANDRUM - 695 029. - 16 MARY MICHAEL D/O. M.G.VARGHESE, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER TCC, CGO COMPLEX, POONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 522, RESIDING AT CHANDRANKUNNEL HOUSE, CLRA - 24, CONVENT LANE, PALLIMUKKU, PEYAD P.O., TRIVANDRUM - 695 573. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-9-** - 17 ANITHA NAIR D/O. N.PARAMESWARAN NAIR, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER (SZ) V, CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, RESIDING AT SRI RAM, SREEPURAM ROAD, POOJAPURA, TRIVANDRUM - 695 012. - 18 NANCY JOSE - D/O. A.C.ABRAHAM, EMPLOYED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, TCC, CGO COMPLEX, POONKULAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 522, RESIDING AT QTRS. 77, GPRA CGO, POONKULAM, TRIVANDRUM - 695 522. BY ADVS. M A SHAFIK SRI.ASOK M.CHERIAN, SRI.K.JANARDHANA SHENOY SRI.T.R.RENJITH, SRI.R.ROHITH THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 23.03.2023, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).188/2014 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-10-** ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI THURSDAY, THE 23[RD] DAY OF MARCH 2023 / 2ND CHAITHRA, 1945** ## **OP (CAT) NO. 189 OF 2014** **AGAINST THE ORDER OA 1112/2013 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,** ## **ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - 1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, NEW DELHI 110 001. - 2 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF NAVAL ARMAMENT INTEGRATED HEADQUARTERS, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (NAVY) RK PURAM, NEW DELHI 110 001. - 3 THE CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAY - 683 633 BY ADVS. ASSISTANT SOLICITOR GENERAL T V VINU, CGC ## **RESPONDENT/S:** **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-11-** - 1 M.S. JAYAKUMAR AGED 53 YEARS - S/O.LATE K.A.MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI, SUPERINTENDENT (STORE), NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683 563, RESIDING AT 'KOTTAYATHU HOUSE', ALANGAD, NEERICODE (PO), ERNAKULAM DISTRICT. - 2 O.B. JAYANANTH AGED 51 YEARS S/O.LATE SHRI.T.K.BALAKRISHNAN, SENIOR STORE SUPERINTENDENT, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683 563, RESIDING AT OLIPARAMBIL HOUSE, CHALIKKAVATTOM, VENNALA (PO) COCHIN-26 - 3 P.M.RAFFIK SO.LATE K.M.KHADER AGED 53 YEARS - SUPERINTENDENT (STORE), NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE - 683 563, RESIDING AT 'HOUSE NO.EP/XX/611', RIYAZ MANZIL, NOCHIMA, NAD(PO) ALWAYE-683 563 - 4 T.T.MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI AGED 50 YEARS - S/O.SHRI.P.G.ACHUTHAN PILLAI, STORE KEEPER, NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683 563, RESIDING AT 'NANDHANAM', TC/2564(1), CITY GARDENS, OOLANKUZHY ANAYARA P.O, - 695 029. - 5 P.S. SIVARAMA PILLAI S/O.LATE SHRI.PARAMESWARAN PILLAI, STORE KEEPER NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOT, ALWAYE-683 563, RESIDING AT NEDIYATH HOUSE, PK MURI, SOORANAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN-690522 BY ADV SRI.SHAFIK M.A. THIS OP (CAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 23.03.2023, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).188/2014 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **==> picture [22 x 10] intentionally omitted <==** ## **J U D G M E N T** [OP (CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 124/2015, 189/2014] ## S.V. Bhatti, J. Heard Advocates, Mr T V Vinu, Mr Shafik M A, and Mr R Sreeraj for parties. 2. Union of India and others are the petitioners and respondents before the Central Administrative Tribunal (for short, Tribunal). The respondents herein are the applicants in individual Original Applications filed by them before the Tribunal. The respondents/applicants are distinct and separate, but the issue for decision is whether the applicants are entitled to financial upgradation of Grade Pay in the next promotion hierarchy. The Tribunal, through the judgments impugned, allowed the prayers and directed financial **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-13-** upgradation of Grade Pay in the promotion hierarchy. 3. The learned Counsel appearing for the parties state that the issue in the batch of Original Petitions is similar to the question considered by the Supreme Court in _Union of India v. M V Mohanan Nair_[1] . By judgment dated 05.03.2020, the Civil Appeals filed by the Union of India and others were allowed. Therefore, the question in the batch of petitions on hand is covered in favour of the petitioners and against the respondents. Following the judgment reported in _M V Mohanan Nair’s_ case, the Original Petitions are allowed. Sd/- S.V.BHATTI JUDGE Sd/BASANT BALAJI JUDGE jjj 1 2020 (5) SCC 421 **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-14-** ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 95/2015** PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE A1 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 19.10.2011 IN CWP NO.19387 OF 2011 (O&M) ON THE FILE OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA. - ANNEXURE A2 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN PETITION OR SPECIAL LEAVE TO APPEAL (CIVIL)---/2013 CC 7467/2013 DATED 15.4.2012 IN OA 940/2012 ON THE FILE OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT. - ANNEXURE A3 TRUE COPY OF THE FINAL ORDER DATED 26.11.2012 IN OA 940/2012 ON THE FILE OF THE PRINCIPAL BENCH OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL. - ANNEXURE A4 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 21.7.2009 SUBMITTED BY THE DOORDARSAN AKASHVANI EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, DOORDARSAN KENDRA, TRIVANDRUM-43, THROUGH ITS PRESIDENT AND MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, SHRI ANTO ANTONY, TO THE 2ND RESPONDENT. - ANNEXURE A5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 25.9.2013 SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANT TO THE IST RESPONDENT. - ANNEXURE A6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO.4/3/2013-S-VIII(PT0/577 DATED 13.12.13 ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE 2ND RESPONDENT. - EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 5.11.2014 IN OA NO.180/00047/2014. - EXHIBIT P2 TRUE CP[U PF P/A/MP/180/00047/2014 FILED BY THE RESPONDENT. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **==> picture [22 x 10] intentionally omitted <==** EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE PETITIONER. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** ## **-16-** ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 124/2015** PETITIONER EXHIBITS - EXHIBIT P1 - THE TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO. 180/00182/2014 DT. 17.3.2014 FILED BY THE RESPONDENT. - ANNEXURE A1 TRUE COPY OF DOP&T OFFICE MEMORANDUM NO.35034/3/2008-ESTT.(D) DATED 19.5.2009. - ANNEXURE A2 TRUE COPY OF PART A OF FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICE (REVISED PAY) RULES, 2008. - ANNEXURE A3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE CHANDIGARH BENCH OF THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL IN OA.NO.1038/CH/2010 DATED 31.5.2011. - ANNEXURE A4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA DATED 19.10.2011 CWP NO.19387 OF 2011. - ANNEXURE A5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE PRINCIPAL BENCH OF HON’BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL IN OA.NO.904/2012 DATED 26.11.2012. - ANNEXURE A6 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BY THE 1ST APPLICANT BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED 6.2.2014. - EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT DT. 13.6.2014 FILED BY THE PETITIONER. - ANNEXURE R1 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DATED 12.3.1997 IN UNION OF INDIA & ANOTHER VS P.V.HARIHARAN NAIR & ANOTHER. **-17-** ## **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** - ANNEXURE R2 TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA DATED 19.12.2022 IN P.U.JOSHI & OTHERS VS.ACCOUNTANT & OTHERS. - EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER DT. 14.7.2014 FILED BY THE RESPONDENT. - ANNEXURE A7 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE ERNAKULAM BENCH OF HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL IN ORIGINAL APPLICATION NO.816 OF 2012 DATED 29.1.2013. - ANNEXURE A8 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 24.6.2013 IN OP(CAT) NO.2000/2013. - EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER DT. 08.08.2014 IN SLP(CIVIL) NO. 21803/2014 OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT. - EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT. 05.11.2014 OF CAT ERNAKULAM. - EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER IN OP(CAT) NO. 188/2014 AND OP(CAT) 189/2014 DT. 05.1.2015 OF HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA. - EXHIBIT P7 TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER DT. 26.7.2013 OF HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF DELHI IN WPC NO. 4662/2013 STAYED THE OPERATION OF ORDER IN OA NO. 904/2012. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-18-** ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 189/2014** PETITIONER EXHIBITS - EXHIBIT P1: - TRUE COPY OF THE O.A.NO.1112 OF 2013 FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH. - ANNEXURE-A9: - TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 25.09.2013 SUBMITTED BY THE 1ST APPLICANT. - ANNEXURE-A 8: TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 29.07.2013 SUBMITTED BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE FEDERATION OF THE UNION. - ANNEXURE A-7: TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 26.11.2012 OF THE PRINCIPAL BENCH IN O.A.NO.904/2012. - ANNEXURE-A6: - TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 15.04.2013 OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT IN SLP CC 7467/2013. - ANNEXURE A-5: TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGEMENT DATED 19.10.2011 IN CWP NO.19387 OF THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA. - ANNEXURE A-4: TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 21.11.2009 SUBMITTED BY THE 1ST APPLICANT. - ANNEXURE A-3: - TRUE COPY OF THE OM NO.35034/3/2008-ESTT(D) DATED 19.05.2009 BY THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL PUBLIC GRIEVANCE AND PENSIONS. - ANNEXURE A-2: TRUE COPY OF CIVILIAN ESTABLISHMENT LIST NO.95/2013 DATED 19.06.2013 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-19-** ANNEXURE A-1: TRUE COPY OF CIVILIAN ESTABLISHMENT LIST NO.71/2010 DATED 26.05.2010 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P2: TRUE COPY OF THE SETTLEMENT DATED 07-03-2014 FILED BY THE PETITIONERS IN OA NO.1112/2013 BEFORE THE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH ANNEXURE R3(1): TRUE COPY OF ORDER DATED 26.07.2013 IN WP(C)NO.4662/2013 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF DELHI. EXHIBIT P3: TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN OA NOS.1111 AND 1112 OF 2013 AND IN OA NOS.47 AND 182 OF 2014 DATED 05-11-2014 OF THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL ERNAKULAM BENCH **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** ## **-20-** ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 188/2014** PETITIONER ANNEXURES - ANNEXURE A1 TRUE COPY OF THE CIVILIAN ESTABLISHMENT LIST NO.67/2010 DATED 20.5.2010 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. - ANNEXURE A2 TRUE COPY OF THE OM NO.35034/3/2008-ESTT (D) DATED 19.5.2009 BY THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS. - ANNEXURE A3 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 21.11.2009 SUBMITTED BY THE IST APPLICANT. - ANNEXURE A4 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.CS 2762/33/MACP DATED 22.1.2010 BY THE A.O. OF THE FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING IN CHIEF. - ANNEXURE A5 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGEMENT DATED 19.10.2011 IN CWP NO.19387 OF THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA. - ANNEXURE A6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 15.4.2013 OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT IN SLP CC 7467/2013. - ANNEXURE A7 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 26.11.2012 OF THE PRINCIPAL BENCH IN O.A.NO.904/2012. - ANNEXURE A8 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 29.7.2013 SUBMITTED BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE FEDERATION OF THE UNION. - ANNEXURE A9 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 25.9.2013 SUBMITTED BY THE IST APPLICANT. RESPONDENT ANNEXURES **O.P.(CAT) Nos.188/2014, 95/2015, 189/2014 and 124/2015** **-21-** ANNEXURE R3(1) TRUE COPY OF ORDER DATED 26.7.2013 IN WPC NO.4662/2013 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF DELHI. PETITIONER EXHIBITS EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.1111 OF 2013 FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH. EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE STATEMENT DATED 7.3.2014 FILED BY THE PETITIONERS IN OA NO.1111/2013 BEFORE THE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH. EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN OA NOS.1111 AND 1112 OF 2013 AND IN OS NOS.47 AND 182 OF 2014, DATED 5.11.2014 OF THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.