High Court of KeralaDivision Bench2020-02-17Allowed three Original Petitions (106/2014, 41/...

O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019

Case / Petition Number:OP (CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014; 191 of 2014; 41 of 2015; 88 of 2019

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: K. Vinod Chandran
P. V. Kunhikrishnan
Judgment Date: 2020-02-17
Court Decision / Holding: The petitions in OP106/2014, OP41/2015, and OP88/2019 are allowed and the impugned orders are set aside; OA 495/2013 is rejected in OP191/2014. The petitioners may approach the appropriate authority to consider pension under Rule 88 of the CCS (Pension) Rules dehors the dismissed OA outcomes. OP191/2014 is dismissed, with costs. The court clarifies that notional benefits cannot be extended and that prior GDS service will not be reckoned for pension purposes, consistent with Najithamol and related precedents.
Final Disposition: Allowed three Original Petitions (106/2014, 41/2015, 88/2019); Dismissed OA (191/2014); Petitioners directed to seek pension considerations under Rule 88 dehors dismissed OA outcomes; Costs to be borne by the parties.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

Union of India represented by Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, New Delhi
Director General (Posts), Dak Bhavan, New Delhi
Chief Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, Thiruvananthapuram
Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, Northern Region, Kozhikode
Superintendent of Post Offices, Thalassery Division
Superintendent of Post Offices, Changanassery Division
Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, Mavelikkara Division
Superintendent of Post Offices, Tirur Division

Respondents

P. Rajesh Kumar
Mathew Sebastian
K.N. Saseendran
E.S. Asokan
Thomas J. Kainikara
P.K. Mohanan
Revathy (Addl R2)
C.R. RaghuNatha Pillai
Rajan N.P.
Jayadas A

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

• Sri S. Krishnamoorthy, CGC
• Sri P. Vijayakumar, ASG of India
• Sri T. V. Vinu, CGC

Counsels for Respondents

• Smti R. Jagada Bai
• Sri R. Sreeraj
• Sri Sajith Kumar V.
• Sri Vishnu

Case Synopsis & Summary

These Original Petitions (OP) filed under the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) challenge orders in OA proceedings involving GDS employees who were appointed to regular service after 1 January 2004 under the New Pension Scheme. The petitioners claimed notional benefits from the date vacancies arose, including eligibility for pension under Rule 88 of the CCS (Pension) Rules and inclusion of prior GDS service for pension purposes. The respondents argued that the appointment from GDS to Postmen is by direct recruitment per Supreme Court jurisprudence, and prior GDS service cannot be reckoned for pension or given retrospective notional effect. The Kerala High Court Division Bench had previously followed Najithamol v. Soumya S.D. (2016) 9 SCC 352 and declined similar prayers, but the present judgment reviews these precedents. After analysis, the court holds that the Tribunal’s orders in OP106/2014, OP41/2015, and OP88/2019 are to be set aside and the OA prayers rejected in OP191/2014, while allowing the petitions in OP106/2014, OP41/2015, and OP88/2019. It directs that petitioners may approach the competent authority to consider pension under Rule 88 dehors the dismissed OA outcomes, maintaining that notional benefits cannot be extended. Costs are left to the parties.

Provisions of Law Cited

CCS Pension Rules (Rule 88)CCS Pension RulesAppendix-37 Rules (Part I General, Rule 2)DOPT OM No.2/8/2001-PICCasual Labourers (Grant of Temporary Status and Regularization) Scheme, 1993Rule 13 and 14 of CCS Pension Rules

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

res integra
Najithamol doctrine: GDS to Postmen by Direct Recruitment; no reckoning of prior GDS service for pension; notional promotions/benefits not allowed

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend that employees who were GDS and later entered regular service after 1 January 2004 should be granted notional benefits from the vacancy date, for purposes of pension qualification and inclusion in earlier pension schemes. They argue the delay in examinations and appointments was due to administrative lapses, and that notional re-fixation or retroactive seniority should be recognized under Rule 88 of the CCS (Pension) Rules. They rely on earlier CAT decisions (e.g., OP 58/2017 and OP 85/2016) and on Najithamol's reasoning that prior GDS service may have to be treated for pension if properly supported by the law.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents maintain that the GDS route to regular posts is direct recruitment (Najithamol) and that prior GDS service cannot be reckoned for pension or given retrospective notional effect. They argue that the Division Bench decisions relied upon by the petitioners were not to be followed as a matter of law and that notional promotion is not permissible. They emphasize that the CCS Pension Rules and the cadet framework do not permit counting GDS service for pension’s notional benefits and that vacancies arising before 2002 cannot be retroactively adjusted. They rely on Supreme Court jurisprudence to uphold direct recruitment and the non-recognition of prior GDS service for pension purposes.

Cited Precedents (4)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
Y. Najithamol & Others v. Soumya S.D.	(2016) 9 SCC 352	Positive	The Supreme Court held that appointment from GDS to the post of Postman is by Direct Recruitment; prior GDS service cannot be reckoned for pension benefits, guiding the present judgment.
OP(CAT) No.58 of 2017	Kerala HC (Judgment dated 13.03.2017)	Positive	Division Bench relied on Najithamol and declined the prayer for notional benefits, influencing the current judgment.
OP(CAT) No.85 of 2016	OP(CAT) No.85/2016	Positive	Earlier CAT decision cited in the reasoning, indicating consistent stance against notional pension benefits under similar facts.
Civil Appeal Nos. 5151-5152/2008	Civil Appeals Nos. 5151-5152 of 2008	Mentioned Only	Supreme Court order referenced in exhibits; used for background rather than central reasoning.

Diagnostic Tool

Beta

Does this judgment govern your specific facts?

Don't risk relying on a distinguishable precedent. Enter your facts or proposition below. We will test it against O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 and instantly map out authorities that support, challenge, or govern your position.

Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 1 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **MONDAY, THE 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2020 / 28TH MAGHA, 1941** **OP (CAT).No.191 OF 2014** **AGAINST THE ORDER DATED 14/11/2014 IN OA 495/2013 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONER:** **G.EASWARACHANDRA VIDYA SAGAR AGED 55 YEARS S/O. LATE P. GOPALAN, PRESENTLY POSTMAN EAST KALLADA, KOLLAM- 691 502, RESIDING AT GOPALAMANDIRAM, ADICHANALLUR, KOLLAM - 691 573.** **BY ADVS. SRI.SAJITH KUMAR V. SRI.P.K.ANTONY** ## **RESPONDENTS:** **1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS, MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI - 110 001.** **2 THE CHIEF POST MASTER GENERAL KERALA CIRCLE,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695033.** **3 THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POST OFFICES KOLLAM POSTAL DIVISION, KOLLAM- 691 001.** ## **R1-3 BY ADV. SHRI.P.VIJAYAKUMAR, ASG OF INDIA** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 17.02.2020, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).106/2014(Z) & CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 2 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **MONDAY, THE 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2020 / 28TH MAGHA, 1941** ## **OP (CAT).No.2980 OF 2013** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN OA 199/2012 DATED 18-03-2013 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONER/S:** - **1 THE UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS, NEW DELHI** - **2 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL (POSTS) DAK BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 001** - **3 THE CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL KERALA CIRCLE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 033** - **4 POSTMASTER GENERAL KERALA CIRCLE, NORTHERN REGION, KOZHIKODE-673 011** - **5 THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POST OFFICES THALASSERY DIVISION, THALASSERY -670 102** **BY ADVS. SRI.S.KRISHNAMOORTHY, CGC SHRI.P.VIJAYAKUMAR, ASG OF INDIA** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 P.K.MOHANAN AGED 62, GROUP D PANAMARAM (RETIRED), RESIDING AT MOHANAM, PERUVAKA ARATUPARA P.O, MANANTHAVADY -670 645** - **2 ADDL. R2 K.K. REVATHY W/O. P.K. MOHANAN, MOHANAM HOUSE, PERUVAKA, ARATTUTHARA P.O, MANANTHAVADY -670 645** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 3 **ADDITIONAL RESPONDENT R2 IS IMPLEADED AS PER THE ORDER DATED 21.03.19 IN IA NO. 316/2017 IN OP( CAT) NO. 2980/2013** **R1 BY ADV. SMT.R.JAGADA BAI R1 BY ADV. SRI.R.SREERAJ** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 17.02.2020, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).106/2014(Z), OP (CAT).191/2014, OP (CAT).41/2015(Z), OP (CAT).88/2019, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 4 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **MONDAY, THE 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2020 / 28TH MAGHA, 1941** ## **OP (CAT).No.106 OF 2014** **AGAINST THE ORDER IN OA 724/2012 DATED 28-06-2013 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONERS:** - **1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS, NEW DELHI - 110 011.** - **2 THE CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL KERALA CIRCLE, TRIVANDRUM - 695 033.** - **3 THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POST OFFICES CHANGANASSERY DIVISION, CHANGANASSERY - 686 101.** **BY ADVS. SRI.S.KRISHNAMOORTHY, CGC SHRI.P.VIJAYAKUMAR, ASG OF INDIA** ## **RESPONDENTS:** - **1 P.RAJESH KUMAR AGED 37 YEARS, S/O. RAMAKRISHNAN, WORKING AS POSTAL ASSISTANT, RESIDING AT MUNDANKAVUNKAL, PULINTHANAM, KUNAMTHANAM P.O - 689 581.** - **2 MATHEW SEBASTIAN, AGED 51 YEARS, S/O.SEBASTIAN, WORKING AS POSTMAN, KOOTTICKAL, RESIDING AT EDAKKATTU HOUSE, ELAMKAD P.O. - 686 510.** **3 K.N. SASEENDRAN AGED 50 YEARS, S/O. NARAYANAN, WORKING AS POSTMAN, KOOVAPALLY, RESIDING AT KOIPAMATTATHIL HOUSE,MUKKUTTUTHATA P.O - 686 510.** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 5 **4 E.S. ASOKAN AGED 46 YEARS, S/O. SUKUMARAN, WORKING AS POSTMAN, MUNDAKKAYAM, RESIDING AT ERRIKKATTU HOUSE, WEMBLY P.O, PIN-686 514. 5 THOMAS J. KAINIKARA, AGED 58 YEARS, S/O. JOSEPH, WORKING AS POSTMAN, CHANGANASSERY, RESIDING AT KAINIKARA HOUSE, KURISUMOOD, CHANGANASSERY - 686 104.** **R1-5 BY ADV. SRI.M.A.SHAFIK** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 17.02.2020, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).191/2014, & CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 6 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **MONDAY, THE 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2020 / 28TH MAGHA, 1941** ## **OP (CAT).No.41 OF 2015** **AGAINST THE ORDER IN OA 844/2012 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONERS:** **1 THE UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GOVT. OF INDIA, DEPARTMENT OF POST, MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI-110001. 2 THE CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL KERALA CIRCLE, TRIVANDRUM-695101. 3 THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POST OFFICE MAVELIKKARA POSTAL DIVISION, MAVELIKKARA-690101. BY ADV. SRI.T.V.VINU, CGC** **RESPONDENT:** **C.R.RAGHUNATHA PILLAI S/O.N.RAGHAVAN PILLAI, POSTMAN HARIPPAD P.O., DEPARTMENT OF POST, RESIDING AT CHAROORKIZHAKKETHIL, EDAKKUNNAM, CHARUMMOODU P.O.-690505.** **R1 BY ADV. SAJITH KUMAR V.** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 17.02.2020, ALONG WITH OP (CAT).106/2014(Z) & CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 7 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN** **MONDAY, THE 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2020 / 28TH MAGHA, 1941** ## **OP (CAT).No.88 OF 2019** **AGAINST THE ORDER IN OA NO.180/00377/2016 DATED 21.02.2018 AND RA 180/00034/2018 DATED 19-06-2018 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH** ## **PETITIONERS:** - **1 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS, NEW DELHI-110 001** - **2 CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL KERALA CIRCLE, TRIVANDRUM-695 033** - **3 THE POSTMASTER GENERAL NORTHERN REGION, KERALA CIRCLE, KOZHIKODE-673 011** - **4 THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POST OFFICES TIRUR DIVISION, TIRUR-676 104** **BY ADV. SRI.T.V.VINU, CGC** ## **RESPONDENTS:** - **1 RAJAN N.P. POSTAL ASSISTANT, KALPAKANCHERRY P.O, RESIDING AT NAYARPADICKAL HOUSE, KALLINGAL, KALPAKANCHERY P.O, MALAPPURAM DISTRICT-676 551** **2 JAYADAS A POSTAL ASSISTANT, BP ANGADI POST OFFICE, RESIDING AT ACHAMPAT HOUSE, MUTHUR, TIRUR P.O, MALAPPURAM676 101** **R1-2 BY ADV. SRI.S.VISHNU** **THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 17.02.2020,** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 8 **ALONG WITH OP(CAT).106/2014(Z) & CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** ## **K.VINOD CHANDRAN & P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN, JJ** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated this the 17[th] day of February, 2020 ## **JUDGMENT** ## **K.Vinod Chandran, J** The above Original Petitions from different orders in Original Applications, one by the sole applicant before the Central Administrative Tribunal, and the others by the Union of India raise a question which is no more _res integra_ . All the applicants were persons who were appointed after 1.1.2004 when the New Pension Scheme came into force. They claimed that they were working as GDS prior to that for long years and that their appointments to the regular service were delayed only for reason of administrative lapses. Selection was notified earlier, but examinations were delayed and the appointments were after 1.1.2004, to the vacancies which arose prior to that. 2. The applicants claimed that they should be granted notional benefits from the date of arising of vacancies. The O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 10 notification was on 5.1.2003 and the examinations were scheduled on 28.3.2004, for the vacancies which occurred prior to 2002. The notional promotion is also claimed for the purpose of having the minimum qualifying service as also for being included in the earlier pension scheme. The question stands answered by a Division Bench of this Court relying on the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. In OP(CAT) No.58 of 2017 (judgment dated 13.3.2017) a similar question arose. The Division Bench relying on **Y.Najithamol & others v. Soumya S.D (2016)9 SCC 352** declined the prayer. In _**Najithamol**_ 's case the Hon'ble Supreme Court held that appointment from Gramin Dak Sevak(GDS) to the post of Postmen is by Direct Recruitment. The Division Bench of this Court held that there could be no reckoning of prior service as GDS nor a retrospective notional effect of appointment given from the date on which the vacancy arose. 3. The decision of the Division Bench of this Court in OP(CAT) No.58 of 2017 was again relied on in OP(CAT) No.85 of 2016. We do not find any reason to sustain the orders of the Tribunal; in the teeth of the above precedents. We allow OP(CAT) No.106/2014, OP(CAT) No.41/2015 and OP(CAT) No.88/2019 setting aside the impugned orders and rejecting the O.A's. . We O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 11 also reject OP (CAT) No.191/2014. 4. We make it clear that the benefit as granted in OP(CAT) No.85/2016 in so far as the dismissal of the Original Applications not standing in the way of the petitioners, in seeking for consideration for pension in the light of the provisions under Rule 88 of the CCS (Pension) Rules applies squarely here also. The petitioners individually or together would be entitled to approach the appropriate authority who shall consider the issue _dehors_ the dismissal of the Original Applications. Parties are left to suffer their respective costs. ## **K.VINOD CHANDRAN, JUDGE** **P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN, JUDGE** **cms xxx** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 12 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 191/2014** ## **PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS:** - **ANNEXURE A1 A TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION ISSUED AS PER ORDER NO:BB/27/EXAM/2003 DATED 27.1.2004 ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE IST RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A2 A TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO:BB/27/EXAM/2003 DATED 28.6.2004 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A3 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 30.3.2013 SUBMITTED BY THE FIRST APPLICANT BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A4 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 5.1.2011 SUBMITTED TO THE 3RD RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A5 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN O.A.102/2010 AND CONNECTED CASES OF THIS HONOURABLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** - **ANNEXURE A6 A TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.B2/55 DATED 27.6.2013 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A7 A TRUE COPY OF THE EXPLANATION DATED 13.7.2013 SUBMITTED TO 3RD RESPONDENT.** - **EXHIBIT P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.495/2013 FILED BEFORE THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** - **EXHIBIT P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS DATED 28.8.2013 IN OA 495/2013.** - **EXHIBIT P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER FILED BY THE APPLICANT IN OA 495/2013 FILED BEFORE THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** - **EXHIBIT P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS DATED 10.1.2014 IN OA 495/2013.** |**EXHIBIT P4**|**A TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REPLY** **STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS DATED** **10.1.2014 IN OA 495/2013.**| |---|---| |**EXHIBIT P5**|**A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 14.11.2014**| ||**IN OA 495/2013 OF THE CENTRAL**| ||**ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.**| O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 13 **EXHIBIT P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 29.10.2014 IN OA 844/2012 OF THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** **EXHIBIT P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 23.5.2013 IN OA 649/2011 OF THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** **RESPONDENTS EXHIBITS:** **ANNEXURE R1** A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 31.5.2011 OF THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH IN OA NO.889/2009. **ANNEXURE R2** A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 28.9.2011 OF THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH IN OA NO.145/2010. **ANNEXURE R3** A TRUE COPY OF THE POSTMAN/MAIL GUARD RECRUITMENT RULES DATED 6.7.1989. **ANNEXURE R4** A TRUE COPY OF THE DOPT OM NO.2/8/2001-PIC DATED 16.5.2001. **ANNEXURE R5** A TRUE COPY OF RULE 2 OF PART-I GENERAL OF APPENDIX-37 RULES RELATING TO DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATION. Cms /TRUE COPY/ P.S TO JUDGE O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 14 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 2980/2013** ## **PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:** **ANNEXURE A12** **A COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION & IT, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS MEMO NO.9969/2011 DATED 10/01/2012 REJECTING THE PETITION DATED 20/05/2011 SENT BY THE APPLICANT.** - **ANNEXURE A1 A COPY OF INSPECTOR OF POST OFFICES, KUTHUPARAMBA MEMO NO.EDP/SO/3 DATED 08/07/1970.** - **ANNEXURE A2 A COPY OF MEMO NO.B2/GR.D/99 DATED 01/08/2000 ISSUED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.5.** - **ANNEXURE A3 A COPY OF MEMO NO.B2/1/99 DATED 17/10/2000 OF RESPONDENT NO.5 SELECTING THE APPLICANT FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE CADRE OF GROUP D.** - **ANNEXURE A4 A COPY OF MEMO NO.1-1/2000-01 DATED 18.10.2000 POSTING THE APPLICANT AS GROUP AGAINST THE VACANT POST OF GROUP D FOR THE YEAR 1999.** - **ANNEXURE A5 A COPY OF CHARGE REPORT FOR JOINING DUTY AS GROUP D THALASSERY HEAD POST OFFICE ON THE FORE NOON OF 19/10/2000.** - **ANNEXURE A6 A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS POSTAL MEMO NO.8213/PEN-2/C-359/09-10/DCRG-501 DATED 26/10/2009.** - **ANNEXURE A7 A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS POSTAL MEMO NO.8216/PEN-2/C-359/09-10/DCRG-802 DATED 26/10/2009.** - **ANNEXURE A8 A COPY OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT OF POSTS NO.66/282/87-SPB-I DATED 20/07/2000.** - **ANNEXURE A9 A COPY OF GOVERNMENT OF COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT OF POSTS NO.66-82/87-SPB-I DATED 21/09/2000.** - **ANNEXURE A10 A COPY OF ORDER IN OA NO.889/2010 DATED 19/01/2011 OF THIS HON'BLE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL.** **ANNEXURE A11 A COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 20/05/2011** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 15 **SENT BY THE APPLICANT TO THE RESPONDENT NO.2.** **ANNEXURE A13 A COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA NO.393/2009 DATED 05/04/2010 OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL. ANNEXURE A14 A COPY OF THE ORDER IN RA NO.46/2010 IN OA NO.393/2009 DATED 10/01/2011 OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL. ANNEXURE A15 A COPY OF THE GRADATION LIST OF POSTMAN AND GROUP D OFFICIALS IN THALASSERY POSTAL DIVISION CIRCULATED VIDE THE RESPONDENT NO.5 AS ON 01/07/2005.** |**ANNEXURE**|**A15**|**A COPY OF THE GRADATION LIST OF POSTMAN AND** **GROUP D OFFICIALS IN THALASSERY POSTAL** **DIVISION CIRCULATED VIDE THE RESPONDENT** **NO.5 AS ON 01/07/2005.**| |---|---|---| |**ANNEXURE**|**16**|**A COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 23/12/2009 IN WPC**| |||**NO.33971/2009 (S) OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT**| |||**OF KERALA.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R1**|**TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.B2/1/89 DATED 30-**| |||**08-90 ISSUED BY 5TH RESPONDENT.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R2**|**TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO GF/1 DATED 30/08/1990**| |||**OF APPOINTMENT.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R3**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 05/09/1990**| |||**SENT BY THE APPLICANT DECLINING THE**| |||**APPOINTMENT.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R3(A)**|**TRUE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF ANNEXURE R3**| |||**LETTER.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R4**|**TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.GF/1 DATED**| |||**11/09/1990 CANCELING THE PROMOTION ORDER.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R5**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER CALLING FOR**| |||**WILLINGNESS.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R6**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 04/11/1995 OF**| |||**THE APPLICANT EXPRESSING WILLINGNESS.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R7**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 08/11/1995 OF**| |||**THE APPLICANT EXPRESSING HS UNWILLINGNESS.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**R7(A)**|**TRUE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF ANNEXURE R7.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**A17**|**A COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME**| |||**COURT OF INDIA IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.5151-5152**| |||**/2008 DECIDED ON 13/08/2008.**| |**ANNEXURE**|**A18**|**A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL POSTS, NEW**| |||**DELHI INSTITUTION ISSUED VIDE LETTER NO.47-**| |||**11/93-SPB-I DATED 25/08/1993 AND NO.47-**| O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 16 ## **3/93-SPB-I DATED 12/09/1996** - **ANNEXURE A19 A COPY OF THE DG(P) NO.47-11/93-SPB-I DATED 31/03/1994 WHICH REQUIRES THAT THE DPC IN RESPECT OF THE GROUP D POST IS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR ITSELF AND THE PROCESS OF SELECTION SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MARCH.** - **ANNEXURE A20 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 21.09.2011 IN O.A 849/2010 AND CONNECTED CASE.** - **EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE O.A. NO. 199/2012 FILED BY THE RESPONDENT.** - **EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT O.A. NO.199/2012 FILED BY THE PETITIONER.** - **EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER OA NO. 199/2012 FILED BY THE RESPONDENT.** - **EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REPLY STATEMENT O.A. NO. 199/2012 FILED BY THE PETITIONER.** - **EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REJOINDER O.A NO.199/2012 FILED BY THE RESPONDENT.** - **EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE SECOND ADDITIONAL REPLY STATEMENT OA NO. 199/2012 FILED BY THE PETITIONER.** - **EXHIBIT P7 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 18.3.2013 IN OA 199/12 OF THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 17 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 106/2014** ## **PETITIONERS EXHIBITS:** **ANNEXURE A1 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.B/10-20/03 DATED 5.2.2004 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT CIRCULATING NOTIFICATION NO.ST/90-4/2003 DATED 20.1.2004 ISSUED BY THE POST MASTER GENERAL KOCHI.** - **ANNEXURE A2 TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.B/10-20/03 DATED 9.7.2004 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A3 TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.B/10-20/03 DATED 27.7.2004 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT.** - **ANNEXURE A4 THE TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.B/10-20/03 DATED 30.7.2004.** - **ANNEXURE A5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL DATED 29.7.2011 IN O.A.NO.849/2010.** - **ANNEXURE A6 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL DATED 29.7.2009 IN O.A.NO.669/2008.** - **ANNEXURE A7 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA, IN WPC NO.29430/07.** - **ANNEXURE A8 TRUE COPY OF THE LAWYER NOTICE DATED 16.5.2012 ISSUED BY APPLICANT'S COUNSEL TO THE 3RD RESPONDENT.** - **EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE OA NO.724/2012 FILED BY THE RESPONDENT.** - **EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT IN O.A.724/2012 FILED BY THE PETITIONER.** - **EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE TRIBUNAL DATED 28.6.2013 IN O.A.NO.724/2012.** - **EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL IN O.A.NO.849/2010 DATED 21.9.2011.** ## **RESPONDENTS EXHIBITS:** **TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF CHENNAI BENCH** **ANNEXURE R1** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 18 **IN O.A.260/2007.** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 19 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 41/2015** ## **PETITIONERS EXHIBITS:** |**ANNEXURE A1**|**A TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION ISSUED AS**| |---|---| ||**PER ORDER NO.ST/90-4/2003 DATED 20/06/2004**| ||**ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE 1ST RESPONDENT IN**| ||**OA.**| |**ANNEXURE A2**|**A TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.B2/44/EXAM/2004**| ||**DATED 21/07/2004 ISSUED BY THE 3RD**| ||**RESPONDENT IN OA.**| |**ANNEXURE A3**|**A TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED**| ||**25/04/2012 SUBMITTED BY THE FIRST APPLICANT**| ||**TO THE 2ND RESPONDENT IN OA.**| |**ANNEXURE A4**|**A TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED**| ||**14/08/2009 SUBMITTED BY THE 1ST APPLICANT**| ||**TO THE 2ND RESPONDENT IN OA.**| |**ANNEXURE A5**|**A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA 102/2010 AND**| ||**CONNECTED CASES OF THIS HONOURABLE CAT,**| ||**ERNAKULAM BENCH.**| |**ANNEXURE R1(A)**|**TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT IN OA NO.260/2007.**| |**ANNEXURE A6**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 08/07/2010**| ||**ISSUED BY THE CHIEF POST MASTER GENERAL,**| ||**KERALA CIRCLE.**| |**EXHIBIT P1**|**TRUE COPY OF THE OA 844/12 DT.29-10-14**| ||**FILED BY THE RESPONDENT BEFORE THE HON'BLE**| ||**CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH.**| |**EXHIBIT P2**|**TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT DT.18-1-13**| ||**FILED BY THE PETITIONERS.**| |**EXHIBIT P3**|**TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER FILED BY THE**| ||**RESPONDENT IN OA 844/12 DT.30-5-13.**| |**EXHIBIT P4**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REPLY STATEMENT**| ||**FILED BY THE PETITIONERS.**| |**EXHIBIT P5**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ADDITIONAL REJOINDER FILED**| ||**BY THE RESPONDENT.**| |**EXHIBIT P6**|**TRUE COPY OF THE 2ND ADDITIONAL REPLY**| ||**STATEMENT FILED BY THE RESPONDENTS.**| |**EXHIBIT P7**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN OA 844/2012**| O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 20 **DT.29-10-14 OF THE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 21 ## **APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 88/2019** ## **PETITIONERS EXHIBITS:** **ANNEXURE A1 TRUE COPY OF THE POST MASTER GENERAL, NORTHERN REGION, KERALA CIRCLE, CALICUT (RESPONDENT NO.3) MEMO NO.RECTT/3-2/2003 DATED 15.01.2004.** |**ANNEXURE A1**|**TRUE COPY OF THE POST MASTER GENERAL,** **NORTHERN REGION, KERALA CIRCLE, CALICUT** **(RESPONDENT NO.3) MEMO NO.RECTT/3-2/2003** **DATED 15.01.2004.**| |---|---| |**ANNEXURE A2**|**TRUE COPY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POST**| ||**OFFICES, TIRUR DIVISION, TIRUR (RESPONDENT**| ||**NO.4) MEMO NO.B2/RECTT/3/2004 DATED**| ||**05.07.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE A3**|**TRUE COPY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POST**| ||**OFFICES, TIRUR DIVISION, TIRUR (RESPONDENT**| ||**NO.4) MEMO NO.B2/ALLOTMENT/01 DATED**| ||**20.07.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE A4**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDERS OF THE HON'BLE**| ||**TRIBUNAL IN O.A.NO.724/2012 PRONOUNCED ON**| ||**28.06.2013.**| |**ANNEXURE A5**|**TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATIONS DATED**| ||**07.12.2015 SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANTS TO**| ||**THE RESPONDENTS NO.2-4.**| |**ANNEXURE A6**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE HIGH**| ||**COURT OF KERALA THOUGH OP(CAT)50 OF 2015,**| ||**PRONOUNCED ON 13.03.2015.**| |**ANNEXURE A7**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE**| ||**TRIBUNAL IN O.A.NO.648/2013 PRONOUNCED ON**| ||**28.01.2015.**| |**ANNEXURE R1**|**TRUE COPY OF THE POST MASTER GENERAL,**| ||**NORTHERN REGION, KERALA CIRCLE, CALICUT**| ||**(RESPONDENT NO.3) LETTER NO.RECTT/3-2/2003**| ||**DATED 26.03.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE R2**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.B2/RECTT/3/2001**| ||**DATED 13.05.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE R3**|**TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.RECTT/4-5/2003 II**| ||**DATED 24.06.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE R4**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.B2/RECTT/3-2004**| ||**DATED 12.07.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE R5**|**TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.B2/RECTT/3/2004**| ||**DATED 05.07.2004.**| O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 22 |**ANNEXURE R6**|**TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.B2/ALLOTMENT.01**| |---|---| ||**DATED 20.07.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE R7**|**TRUE COPY OF THE MEMO NO.4-28/03 DATED**| ||**01.01.2004 AND OM NO.1(7)(2)/2003/TA/19**| ||**DATED 14.01.2004 COMMUNICATED IN DG'S**| ||**LETTER NO.4-28/03-PEN DATED 19.01.2004.**| |**ANNEXURE R8**|**TRUE COPY OF THE RULE-13 AND 14 OF CCS**| ||**PENSION RULES.**| |**ANNEXURE A8**|**TRUE COPY OF THE CASUAL LABORERS (GRANT OF**| ||**TEMPORARY STATUS AND REGULARIZATION) SCHEME**| ||**OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, 1993.**| |**ANNEXURE A9**|**TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA,**| ||**MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND IT,**| ||**DEPARTMENT OF POSTS ORDER NO.01-07/2016-**| ||**SPB-I DATED 12.09.2016.**| |**ANNEXURE A10**|**TRUE COPY OF THE HON'BLE CENTRAL**| ||**ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, PRINCIPAL BENCH**| ||**ORDER IN OA NO.749/2005 (HERD TOGETHER),**| ||**PRONOUNCED ON 17.11.2016.**| |**ANNEXURE RA1**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 21.02.2018 IN**| ||**OA 377/2016.**| |**ANNEXURE RA2**|**TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CA NOS.90/2015**| ||**AND 91/2015.**| |**ANNEXURE RA3**|**TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN CA.NO.13675-**| ||**13676 OF 2015.**| |**ANNEXURE RA4**|**TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN OP(CAT)**| ||**327/2016 DATED 18.01.2017.**| |**ANNEXURE RA5**|**TRUE COPY OF THE EXTRACT OF THE JUDGMENT IN**| ||**SRI.SURINDER SING AND OTHERS.**| |**ANNEXURE RA6**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.45-95/87 DATED**| ||**12.04.1991.**| |**ANNEXURE RA7**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.01-07/2016-SPB-I**| ||**DATED 22.07.2016.**| |**ANNEXURE RA8**|**TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER NO.6-1/2009-PE.II**| ||**ISSUED BY POSTAL DIRECTORATE DATED**| ||**09.10.2009.**| |**ANNEXURE RA9**|**TRUE COPY OF THE EXTRACT OF RULES GDS,**| ||**UNDER SERVICE DISCHARGED BENEFITS SCHEME**| O.P.(CAT) Nos. 106 of 2014, 191 of 2014, 41 of 2015 & 88 of 2019 23 ||**(SDBS), 2011.**| |---|---| |**ANNEXURE RA10**|**TRUE COPY OF THE EXTRACT OF DIRECTOR**| ||**GENERAL INSTRUCTION ON PAYMENT OF EX-GRATIA**| ||**GRATUITY.**| |**ANNEXURE RA11**|**TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE HON'BLE**| ||**TRIBUNAL DATED 16.03.2018 IN OA**| ||**NO.249/12017.**| |**EXHIBIT P1**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION IN**| ||**O.A. NO. 180/00377/2016 DATED 17.04.2016.**| |**EXHIBIT P2**|**TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY STATEMENT IN O.A.**| ||**NO. 180/00377/2016, DATED 02.12.2016 FILED**| ||**BY THE RESPONDENT.**| |**EXHIBIT P3**|**TRUE COPY OF THE REJOINDER IN O.A. NO.**| ||**180/00377/2016, DATED 11.12.2017 FILED BY**| ||**THE RESPONDENT.**| |**EXHIBIT P4**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN ORIGINAL**| ||**APPLICATION NO. 180/00377/2016, DATED**| ||**21.02.2018 ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL**| ||**ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.**| |**EXHIBIT P5**|**TRUE COPY OF THE REVIEW PETITION IN R.A.**| ||**NO. 180/00034/2018 DATED 09.05.2018**| |**EXHIBIT P6**|**TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN R.A. NO.**| ||**180/00034/2018, DATED 19.06.2018**| |Cms|/TRUE COPY/ P.S.TO JUDGE|