OP (CAT) Nos. 62/2015 (Z), 72/2015 (Z) & 73/2015 (Z)

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **TUESDAY, THE 03RD DAY OF MARCH 2020 / 13TH PHALGUNA, 1941** ## **OP (CAT).No.62 OF 2015(Z)** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN OA 494/2013 DATED 14-10-2014 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONERS/APPLICANTS 1 TO 7:** - **1 K.ATTAKOYA AGED 58 YEARS** **LIGHT HOUSE ATTENDANT, AMINI LIGHT HOUSE, LIGHT HOUSES AND LIGHT SHIPS, KOCHI-682020.** - **2 K.G.BINOD** - **NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANT GRADE II, ALLEPPEY LIGHT HOUSE, BAZAR P.O., ALAPPUZHA-688012.** - **3 K.C.MOHANAN LIGHTHOUSE SAFAIWALA, MINICOY LIGHTHOUSE, MINICOY ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP-682559.** - **4 A.G.BABU NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANT GRADE II, MINICOY LIGHTHOUSE, MINICOY ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP-682559.** - **5 S.ABDUL RAZHEED LIGHT HOUSE ATTENDANT, CHETWAI LIGHT HOUSE, MADU POST, ORUMANAYOOR (VIA), THRISSUR-680512.** - **6 K.P.SUSHIL RAJ NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANT GRADE II, CHETWAI LIGHT HOUSE, MADU POST, ORUMANAYOOR (VIA), THRISSUR680512.** - **7 T.T.SAFIYULLA NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANT GRADE II, KILTAN LIGHT HOUSE, KILTAN ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP-682552.** - **8 T.ARIF NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANT GRADE II, KILTAN LIGHT HOUSE, KILTAN ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP-682552.** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 2 - **9 R.SURYANARAYANAN** **HLKC SR.(1), KILTAN LIGHT HOUSE, KILTAN ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP-682552.** - **10 P.ABDULLA KOYA LIGHT HOUSE ATTENDANT, CHETLAT ISLAND, U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP-682552.** - **11 P.SYED HEAD LIGHT KEEPER (SS), KALPENI LIGHT HOUSE, KALPENI ISLAND, U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **12 M.K.KOYA LIGHT HOUSE SAFAIWALA, KALPENI LIGHT HOUSE, KALPENI ISLAND, U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **13 C.SASIKUMAR LIGHT HOUSE ATTENDANT, KALPENI LIGHT HOUSE, KALPENI ISLAND P.O., U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP-682557.** - **14 PRASHANT M.DHAKATE MINICOY LIGHT HOUSE AND DGPS STATION, P.O.MINICOY ISLAND, U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP-682559.** - **15 I.K.SHAHUL AGED 46 YEARS** - **S/O.KOYA, MINICOY LIGHT HOUSE AND DGPS STATION, P.O.MINICOY ISLAND, U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP-682559, RESIDING AT ITHITHARA HOUSE, METHUR, P.O.KALADI, ERNAKULAM-683574.** - **16 M.SREEJESH KUMAR MINICOY LIGHT HOUSE AND DGPS STATION, P.O.MINICOY ISLAND, U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP-682559.** - **17 K.C.S.KOYAMMA ANDROTH LIGHT HOUSE, ANDROTH ISLAND, KARACHAETTA, SAROMAPURAM, ANDROTH, LAKSHADWEEP-682551.** ## **BY ADV. SRI.S.VISHNU** ## **RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS/18TH APPLICANT:** - **1 THE DIRECTOR, DIRECTORATE OF LIGHT HOUSES AND LIGHT SHIPS, DEEP BHAVAN, GANDHI NAGAR, KADAVANTHRA P.O., KOCHI682020.** - **2 THE UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP REPRESENTED BY ITS ADMINISTRATOR, LAKSHADWEEP682555.** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 3 **3 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FINANCE, NEW DELHI-110001.** **4 ALL INDIA LIGHT HOUSE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION REPRESENTED BY ITS ZONAL SECRETARY, V.MURALEEDHARAN, COCHIN LIGHT HOUSE DISTRICT, KAVARATI LIGHT HOUSE, U.T.OF LAKSHADWEEP-682555.** **R1-3 BY ADV. SRI.KRISHNADAS P.NAIR CGC** **R1 BY ADV. SRI.S.RADHAKRISHNANSCLAKSHADWEEP ADMN R1, R3-4 BY SRI.S.RADHAKRISHNAN,SC,LAKSHADWEEP ADMN R2 BY ADV. SRI.MANU.S, CGC, ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNION TERRITORY OF LA R3 BY ADV. SRI.KRISHNADAS P.NAIR, CGC** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 03-03-2020, ALONG WITH OP (CAT) NO.72& 73 OF 2015, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 4 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **TUESDAY, THE 03RD DAY OF MARCH 2020 / 13TH PHALGUNA, 1941** **OP (CAT).No.72 OF 2015(Z)** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN OA 138/2014 DATED 14-10-2014 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONERS/APPLICANTS 1, 2, 3 & 17 IN THE O.A.:** - **1 M.P.HASSAN AGED 59 YEARS S/O.SAYED MOHAMMED,UPPER DIVISION CLERK,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,ANDROTH,MAYAMPOKKADA,ANDROTH- 682 551** - **2 K.MOHAMMED NAZIR S/O.P. KOYAMMA,WATCHMAN,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,ANDROTH,KOMALAM KAD, ANDROTH- 682 551** - **3 C.MARIYOMMABI W/O.KALEEL V.T,LOWER DIVISION CLERK,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,ANDROTH,CHODATH, ANDROTH682 551** - **4 P.VINOD S/O.LATE BARATHAN.P,ASSISTANT ENGINEER(M),ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS/ANDROTH,PAINGANOOR HOUSE,KARAPARAMBA P.O,CALICUT-673 010** ## **BY ADV. SRI.S.VISHNU** ## **RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS:** - **1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA,MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,DEPARTMENT OF SHIPPING,TRANSPORT BHAVAN,NO.1,PARLIAMENT STREET,NEW DELHI- 110 001** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 5 - **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER & ADMINISTRATOR, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS (ALHW), PORTBLAIR, ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLES, PORT BLAIR 744 101** - **3 THE DEPUTY CHIEF ENGINEER ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW),CIRCLE OFFICE-V, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP,KAVARATTI682 555** - **4 M.JAGANNATHAN S/O.C. MARIYAPPAN,ASSISTANT ENGINEER(CIVIL),ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,KALPENI-682 557** - **5 M.K SAHEER HUSAIN S/O.C. MARIYAPPAN,JUNIOR ENGINEER,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,KALPENI,MUKRIKAKADA HOUSE,KALPENI ISLAND- 682 557** - **6 T.P SAJITHA W/O.AKBER M.P,WORK MASTRY,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,KALPENI,THITHIYAPADA HOUSE,KALPENI ISLAND- 682 557** - **7 K.P.P ABDU S/O.LATE BADARUDHEEN C.P,WORK ASSISTANT,ALHW,KALPENI,KEELAPUTHIYAPURA,KAVARATTI** - **8 T.SHAIKOYA S/O.LATE CHERIYAKOYA .M,SEACUNNY,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,KALPENI,THENTHINADA HOUSE,KALPENI-682 557** - **9 K.K CHERIYAKOYA S/O.LATE ATTAKOYA,K.I.N,FOREMAN(CIVIL), ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,KALPENI,KUNNAMKALAM HOUSE,KALPENI-682 557** - **10 K.M ABDUL MUNEER S/O.IBRAHIM M.D,JUNIOR ENGINEER,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,MINICOY,KUNNUMANGE HOUSE,MINICOY ISLAND 682 559** - **11 JOY KURIAN S/O.LATE O.V KURIYAN,JUNIOR ENGINEER,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,KALPENI,OLIPRAKATTU HOUSE,VELAMCODE P.O,CALICUT** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 6 - **12 P.MOHAMMED MANIKFAN** - **S/O.LATE IBRAHIM MANIKFAN,MECHANIC GR.I,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,MINICOY,PARIPPADIGOTHI,KUDCHI VILLAGE,MINICOY-682 559** - **13 V.GEETHA DEVI W/O.BAHULEYAN NAIR T,FOREMAN(CIVIL),ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,MINICOY,EDUPADICAL HOUSE,PERAMCULAM P.O,ALAMCODE,ATTAGI** - **14 D.SUHHAIN, S/O.LATE MOOSA,OPERATOR, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS, MINICOY, DONSANDHALAGE, MINICOY ISLAND 682 559** - **15 S.BABU** - **S/O.LATE SADASHIVAN R,MECHANIC,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,MINICOY,VELAYILVEEDU, KARIVALLIGODE,PAVANAPURAM P.O,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.** - **16 K.G JOSHI** - **S/O. GOPALAN K.R,OPERATOR,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS,MINICOY,KURUVAT HOUSE, P.O. ANTHIKAD,THRISSUR-680 641** **R1-3 BY SRI.T.V.VINU, CGC R4-16 BY ADV. SRI.M.J.AJITH MOHAN** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 03.03.2020, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).62/2015 & 73/2015, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 7 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **TUESDAY, THE 03RD DAY OF MARCH 2020 / 13TH PHALGUNA, 1941** **OP (CAT).No.73 OF 2015** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN OA 591/2013 DATED 14-10-2014 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** **PETITIONERS/APPLICANTS 1, 2,4 TO 9, 11 TO 16 & 20 TO 22 IN THE O.A.:** - **1 P MOHAMMED BASHEER AGED 53 YEARS** - **S/O.NALLA KOYA, ASSISTANT ENGINEER(C), ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP** - **2 H.M.MOHAMMED RAFFEEQUE S/O.MUTHU KOYA, JUNIOR ENGINEER(E) ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP).** - **3 K.C.MOHAMMED SALEEM S/O.CHERIYA KOYA, WORK ASSISTANT,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **4 P.K.SAFIRA BEEGUM D/O.POOKOYA PEON,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **5 A.NASER S/O.M.I.KADER, DRAFTSMAN GR.II,LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **6 K.V.MOHAMMED FAROOK S/O.A.P.K.THANGAL,LOWER DIVISION CLERK,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 8 - **7 P.K.PRASANNA S/O.KUNHIKANNAN, FOREMAN GR.II,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **8 K.MOHAMMED BASHEER S/O.N.KALID, UPPER DIVISION CLERK,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **9 T.VENU** - **S/O.DAMODHARAN, UPPER DIVISION CLERK,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **10 P.BALKEES S/O.M.NELLA KOYA, PEON,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **11 K.ABDUL JABBAR S/O.SAYED MOHAMMED, FOREMAN GR.II,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **12 N.P.HYDER ALI S/O.ATTA KOYA, JUNIOR ENGINEER (M),ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **13 K.C.JAMALUDHEEN S/O.ABOOSALA, SENIOR FOREMAN GR.I,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **14 M.HAMZA KOYA S/O.ABDULLA, OPERATOR GR.I,ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP,** - **15 P.K.MUJEEBRAHMAN S/O.ASAINAR, SEACUNNY, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** - **16 K.MUJEEBRAHMAN** - **S/O.SAYED MOHAMMED, WATCHMAN, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 9 - **17 C.K.DASAN, S/O.C.C.KUTTAN ASSISTANT ACCOUNTS OFFICER, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP. BY ADV. SRI.S.VISHNU** ## **RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS & PETITIONERS 3, 10 & 17 TO 19:** - **1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, DEPARTMENT OF SHIPPING, TRANSPORT BHAVAN, NO.1, PARLIAMENT STREET, NEW DELHI-110 001.** - **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER & ADMINISTRATOR ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW),PORTBLAIR, ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLES-682 251.** - **3 THE DEPUTY CHIEF ENGINEER ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW),CIRCLE OFFICE-V, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP, KAVARATTI-682 555.** - **4 THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW),ANDROTH ISLAND,UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP-682 251.** - **5 P.RAMAMURTHY, AGED 53 YEARS, S/O.PARAMASIVAM, DRAFTSMAN GR.II, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH.P.O., UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.682 558** - **6 G.SAKKARAI, AGED 53 YEARS, S/O.GURUSAMI, ASSISTANT, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH.P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.682 558** - **7 P.SAYED MOHAMMED, AGED 58 YEARS, S/O.AHAMED, BLACKSMITH, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH.P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP 682 558** - **8 T.KUNHI SEETHI, AGED 58 YEARS, S/O.SIDDIQUE, SEACUNNY, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH.P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.682 558** - **9 A.P.KOYAMMA, AGED 59 YEARS, S/O.ALI AHAMMED, SEACUNNY, ANDAMAN LAKSHADWEEP HARBOUR WORKS(ALHW), ANDROTH.P.O, UNION TERRITORY OF LAKSHADWEEP.682 558 R1-4 BY SRI.T.V.VINU, CGC R5-9 BY ADV. SRI.M.J.AJITH MOHAN** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 03.03.2020, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).62/2015 & 72/2015, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 10 ## **JUDGMENT** **[ OP (CAT).62/2015, 72/2015 & 73/2015 ] Dated this the 3rd day of March 2020** ## **K. Vinod Chandran, J.** The petitioners before this Court are the applicants before the Tribunal. 2. The issue agitated was with respect to the Special Compensatory Allowance (SCA) and the Hard Area Allowance (HAA); whether both could be paid at the same time. SCA was entitled to all the employees in the Islands of Lakshadweep and the Nicobar Group of Islands. Later, for the Nicobar Group of Islands, a HAA prescribed as per Annexure A3 dated 01.03.2004 (produced in OP (CAT) No.72/2015). Subsequently, the said benefit was extended to the Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep group by Annexure-A4 dated 29.08.2008. 3. Annexure-A3 of 2004 contained a specific clause that in places where more than one Special Compensatory Allowance is admissible, the Central Government employees posted in such OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 **==> picture [13 x 8] intentionally omitted <==** stations would have the option to choose the allowance, which benefits them the most. This clause was conspicuously absent in Annexure-A4. 4. There was also an order issued at Annexure-A5 dated 09.11.2011 with respect to the other Islands of Union Territory of Lakshadweep other than Kavaratti and Agatti. In the said order also there was no condition as to only one of the allowances being entitled to the employees. Hence, both the HAA and the SCA were drawn by the applicants, who were employees in the Lakshadweep group of Islands, except Agatti & Kavaratti. 5. Later, the Central Government issued Ext.R1(A) order dated 03.06.2013 directing that option should be exercised by every employee for enabling disbursement of either SCA or HAA. The employees challenged the same before the Tribunal, in which, there was an interim order passed as seen from Ext.A6. 6. The learned counsel for the petitioners submits that despite the interim order, they were not paid any HAA after the interim order was passed. The Tribunal found that there can be only one allowance drawn by the employees, either the SCA or the HAA. In such circumstances, the direction to exercise option OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 12 was affirmed by the Tribunal. We are of the opinion that there is no illegality in directing exercise of option, since it was never intended that both allowances are paid together. However, the petitioners are concerned with the refund ordered by the Tribunal. The learned counsel would rely on **State of Punjab & Ors. v. Rafiq Masih (White Washer) etc. [AIR 2015 SC 696],** which decision is produced as Ext.P4. 7. The learned Central Government Counsel Sri. P.V. Vinu seeks to draw a distinction, especially pointing out paragraphs 6 and 7 of the cited decision. It is argued that merely because the employee was not responsible for the excess or wrongful payment, it is not in every case that recovery should be interdicted. Only if the hardship outweighs the right of the Government to recover could there be a recovery. The right to recover pursued by the employer as held by the Hon'ble Apex Court would have to be compared with the effect of the recovery on the concerned employee. 8. Admittedly, the employees are all persons who had service in the Islands which was far away from the main land. The Central Government, only considering the hardship of these employees, had granted a SCA. Later, to certain Islands a HAA OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 13 was extended. When the same was extended to the Lakshadweep Islands, the order issued at Annexure A4 merely granted the HAA at the rate of 25% without a specific condition that an option has to be exercised. If such an option had to be exercised at that point, there would have been payment of only one of the allowances to the employees. In which event, the question of recovery would never have arisen. 9. The employees were paid the said allowances and the Administration never asked the employees to exercise an option. The employees definitely would have spent the amounts paid to them. It was only later the communication dated 25.04.2013 of the Government of India directed option to be exercised by the employees. 10. In such circumstances, we are of the opinion that, in the present case, especially considering the difficult circumstances in which the employees were working and the payment of both the allowances without requiring the employees to exercise an option, visits the petitioners with an onerous hardship if recovery is directed; outweighing the right of the Government. We are of the opinion that there could be no recovery made from such employees. We also notice that the OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 14 recovery was ordered by the Tribunal in an O.A. filed by the employees against the direction to exercise an option. We quite understand that the recovery was a right, which could have been exercised by the Government later. But, however, to avoid multiplicity of litigation, we direct that in the facts and circumstances of this case, there need not be any recovery effected going by the declarations in **Rafiq Masih** (supra). We make it clear that the interdictions insofar as recovery is confined to the petitioners in the above Original Petitions. We also make it clear that any person who has drawn both the allowances after Annexure-A6 interim order would be liable to refund one of the allowance, drawn by them after the said interim order; as per the option exercised by them. These original petitions are disposed of. There is no order as to costs. **Sd/-** **K.VINOD CHANDRAN JUDGE Sd/-** ## **P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **JUDGE** Shg x5.3.x OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 15 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT)62/2015** ## **PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:** **EXHIBIT P1 EXT.P1 : TRUE COPY OF THE OA 494/2013 FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** **EXHIBIT P2 EXT.P2 : TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS BEFORE THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** **EXHIBIT P3 EXT.P3 : TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER FILED BY THE PETITIONERS IN OA 494/13 BEFORE THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** - **EXHIBIT P4 EXT.P4 : TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS BEFORE THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH** **EXHIBIT P5 EXT.P5 : TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DT.14-10-14 IN OA 494/13 AND CONNECTED CASES OF THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH. EXHIBIT P6 EXT.P6 : TRUE COPY OF THE OM NO.12(1)/E.II(B)/03 DT.1/3/2004 ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF FINANCE.** **RESPONDENTS' EXTS. ANNEXURETRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PORTION OF THE INSPECTION R3(1) REPORT OF THE AUDIT** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 16 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 72/2015** ## **PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:** ## **ANNEXURE A1** **TRUE COPY OF THE OFFICE NOTE BEARING NO. DCE/KVT/ESTT./160/2076 DATED 12.06.2013, ISSUED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE THIRD RESPONDENT.** **ANNEXURE A2 TRUE COPY OF NOTES AND ORDERS BEARING NO. DCE/KVT/ESTT./160/236 DATED 25.01.2014, ISSUED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE THIRD RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A3 TRUE COPY OF THE GOVT. OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF FINANCE OFFICE MEMORANDUM BEARING NO.12(1)/E.11(B)/03 DATED 01.03.2004.** - **ANNEXURE A4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER BEARING NO.12(4)/2008-E.II(B)DATED 29.8.2008 - MINISTRY OF FINANCE, GOVT. OF INDIA.** **ANNEXURE A5 TRUE COPY OF THE OFFICE MEMORANDUM ISSUED UNDER NO.12(4)/2008-EII(B) DATED 9TH NOVEMBER, 2011-MINISTRY OF FINANCE, GOVT. OF INDIA.** - **ANNEXURE A6 TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER DATED 27.06.13 IN OA NO. 590/2013 RENDERED BY THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM.** - **EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF O.A NO 180/00138/2014 FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** - **EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS IN O.A NO 180/00138/2014 BEFORE THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** - **EXHIBIT P3 EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE RODER DATED 1410-2014 IN O.A NO 180/00138/2014 AND CONNECTED CASES OF THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 17 **EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT CIVIL APPEAL NO 11527 OF 2014 EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF REPRESENTATION DATED 29-112014 SUBMITTED BY THE 1ST PETITIONER EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF REPRESENTATION DATED 16-032014 SUBMITTED BY THE 4TH PETITIONER EXHIBIT P7 TRUE COPY OF INTERIM ORDER DATED 25/3/2015 IN OP(CAT) 62/2015** **RESPONDENT'S/S EXHIBITS:** **EXHIBIT R1(A) TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE ORDER NOS. ALHW/ADM/1(2)/2012/1463 DATED 03.06.2012 AND ALHW/ADM/1(2)/2012/384 DATED 08.02.2013 ISSUED BY ALHW. EXHIBIT R1(B) TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE O.M NO.12(1) E- II(B)/03 DATED 01.03.2004.** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 18 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 73/2015** ## **PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:** **ANNEXURE A1 TRUE COPY OF THE OFFICE NOTE BEARING NO.DCE/KVT/ESTT/160/2076 DATED 12.06.2013 ISSUED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT ANNEXURE A2 TRUE COPY OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF FINANCE OFFICE MEMORANDUM BEARING NO.12(1)/E.II(B)/03 DATED 01.03.2004 ANNEXURE A3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER BEARING NO.12(4)/2008-E.II(B) DATED 29.08.2008 MINISTRY OF FINANCE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ANNEXURE A4 TRUE COPY OF OFFICE MEMORANDUM ISSUED UNDER NO.12(4)/2008-E.II(B) DATED 9TH NOVEMBER 2011 - MINISTRY OF FINANCE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA EXHIBIT P1 P1-TRUE COPY OF O.A.NO.591/2013 FILED BY THE PETITIONERS BEFORE THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH. EXHIBIT P2 P2-TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS BEFORE THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH. EXHIBIT P3 P3-TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 14-10-2014 IN O.A.NO.591/2013 AND CONNECTED CASES OF THE HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH. EXHIBIT P4 P4-TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT OF HONOURABLE SUPREMEE COURT CIVIL APPEAL NO.11527 OF 2014 (STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS ETC, VS RAFIQ MASIH WHITE WASHER ETC. EXHIBIT P5 P5-TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 2-12-2014 SUBMITTED BY THE 6TH PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P6 P6- TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER DATED 25-03-2015 IN OP(CAT) NO.62/2015 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT.** OP (CAT).No.62, 72 & 73 OF 2015 19 ## **RESPONDENT'S/S EXHIBITS:** |**EXHIBIT R1 (A)**|**TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE ORDER**<br>**NOS.ALH/ADM/1(2)/2012/1463 DATED**<br>**03.06.2013 AND ALHW/ADM/1(2)/2012/384**<br>**DATED 08.02.2013 ISSUED BY ALHW**| |---|---| |**EXHIBIT R1(B)**|**TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE O.M.NO.12(1) E-**<br>**II(B)/03 DATED 01.03.2004**| ||| ||| |||