High Court of KeralaSingle Judge2022-09-02Writ petition allowed to limited extent; Govern...

Susan B. Zachariah and others v. State of Kerala and others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE DEVAN RAMACHANDRAN
Judgment Date: 2022-09-02
Court Decision / Holding: Writ petition allowed to a limited extent. The Government is directed to reconsider Clause 6.1 of GO (P) No. 38/2021/Fin dated 25.02.2021 and its successor GO (P) No. 162/2021/Fin dated 02.12.2021 in the conspectus of Lizamma Manuel and relevant precedents, after affording hearing to petitioners or their representatives, and to finalize an appropriate order within three months. The Court notes that, while not quashing the earlier order, such reconsideration is essential to address the petitioners’ claims, with due regard to the financial constraints and the pensioners’ vulnerable position. The judgment emphasizes that the State must consider modifications if warranted by law and Supreme Court declarations.
Final Disposition: Writ petition allowed to limited extent; Government directed to reconsider Clause 6.1 of GO (P) No. 38/2021/Fin and GO (P) No. 162/2021/Fin in light of Lizamma Manuel and relevant precedents, after hearing, within three months; not quashing the earlier order but ensuring due consideration of petitioners’ claims and potential modifications if warranted by law or Supreme Court declarations; pensioners’ welfare highlighted.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

SUSAN B.ZACHARIAH
DR. P.K. ALEXANDER
P.C. MATHEW
SAM MOHAN JOHN
DR. M.I. ANDREWS
C. JOHN THOMAS
ABDU RAHIMAN P.N.
P.K. KOSHY
THOMAS NINAN
INDIRA DEVI P.
GEORGE JACOB
D/O. P.THACHU EZHUTHACHAN
ELIZABETH THOMAS
SAMUEL KUTTY. P.C.
BHASKARAN NAIR P.
THOMASKUTTY V.P.
LATHA MACKIL
PROF. E. JOHN MATHEW
GEETHAKRISHNAN G.K.
R. LEELAMANI PILLAI
L. JAYAKUMARI
A.V. ITTY
INDIRA DEVI. R.
JACOB GEORGE
SOSAMMA M.T.
REETHA. M.T.
ANNE MARY VERGHESE
K.C. KURIAN
GOPALAKRISHNA PILLAI. T.K.
N. NARAYANAN NAMBOODIRI
V. ARAVINDA RAJA
KUNHAMMED. N.
D. KANTHAMANY
K.J. OOMMEN
MARY ANNE PANIKER
JACOB MATHEW
T. GEORGE VARUGHESE
RADHAKRISHNAN. N.
MOHANA BABU
GEORGE M. CHERIAN
PROF. O.A. NINAN
C.V. VARUGHESE
A.G. UNNIKRISHNAN NAIR
M.A. PAPPACHAN
R. OODAYA BHANU
SUSEELA. G.
RADHAKRISHNA PANICKER. K.S.
RADHA DEVI AMMA. T.
LEELAMMA JOSEPH
JOY JOHN
ANNIE GEORGE
ANNA SUSY JOHN
MAHADEVAN. V.R.
T.C. VARUGHESE
V. NARAYANI KUTTY
MATHEWS K. MATHEWS
PROF. S. VIJAYAN NAIR
P.G. ANNAMMA
N. SASIDHARAN NAIR
ELIZABETH MATHEW
MATHEWS VARKEY
ABRAHAM SEBASTIAN
JOSEPH TITO
PROF. J. STANLO JONES
BABY CHACKO
REV. ITTY MATHEW
K.P. NATARAJA PILLAI
DR. SHEILA. S. CHERIAN
M.P. MAHESWARIKUTTY AMMA (AISWARYA)
VIMALA DEVI Y.
SATHYABHAMA C.
P.K. ABRAHAM
BHADRAMANI
JACOB KURIAN
C.P. DEVASSY
THOMAS STEPHEN
PROF. K.M. VARUGHESE
M.C. JOSEPH

Respondents

STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001
THE ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY, HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001
THE ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY, FINANCE DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001
THE PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT GENERAL (A & E), OFFICE OF THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001
THE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE EDUCATION, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE EDUCATION, VIKAS BHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 033
THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, PADMAVILASOM, FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 023

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

• M.S. RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR

Case Synopsis & Summary

This is a Kerala High Court writ petition (WP(C) No. 28798 of 2022) decided by Justice Devan Ramachandran on 2 September 2022. The petitioners, a large group of retired academics and teachers from various colleges in Kerala, challenge Government Orders that purportedly affect their pension and related financial benefits. The court notes that the core issues were already settled in a separate decision titled Lizamma Manuel and others v. State of Kerala and others (W.P.(C) No.19444/2022), and proceeds to grant relief to the petitioners to the limited extent of directing the Government to reconsider Clause 6.1 of GO (P) No. 38/2021/Fin dated 25.02.2021 and the subsequent GO (P) No. 162/2021/Fin dated 02.12.2021, in light of the Lizamma Manuel judgment and relevant precedents. The Government is required to provide an opportunity of hearing to the petitioners or their representatives before issuing a fresh order. The court emphasizes the vulnerability of pensioners and directs expeditious action, with a cap of three months from receipt of the judgment for completion of reconsideration. It also notes that, although not quashing the earlier order, the Government must consider the petitioners’ claims, including modifications if warranted by law. The decision relies on existing Supreme Court declarations and precedents to frame the remedy.

Provisions of Law Cited

GO(P) No. 38/2021/FinClause 6.1 of GO(P) No. 38/2021/FinGO(P) No. 162/2021/Fin

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners sought relief from the Government’s pension-related orders, challenging Clause 6.1 of GO (P) No. 38/2021/Fin and the subsequent GO (P) No. 162/2021/Fin, arguing that pensioners are a vulnerable group and that any reduction in pension or related benefits affects their livelihood. They relied on prior judgments, including Lizamma Manuel and others v. State of Kerala and others, and pleaded for reconsideration and modification in light of constitutional and Supreme Court principles ensuring fair treatment of pensioners. The petition urged adherence to due process, opportunity of hearing, and timely implementation of any new order to avoid undue hardship to retirees.

Contentions of Respondents

The Government argued the need for fiscal prudence and that financial stringency justifies reviewing pension-related benefits. It contended that the GO provisions are within executive and financial powers and that any modification must align with policy and budgetary constraints. It asserted that any changes should be made following due process, hearing, and in consonance with precedents, while ensuring that the most vulnerable sections are not unduly burdened.

Cited Precedents (3)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
Lizamma Manuel and others v. State of Kerala and others	W.P.(C) No.19444/2022	Positive	The court treats the Lizamma Manuel judgment as a binding precedent that supports relief to pensioners and directs reconsideration consistent with that ruling.
Judgment in W.P. Nos. 775-787/2015 along with W.P. Nos. 49241-49242/2015, Karnataka High Court	W.P. Nos. 775-787/2015 (with Nos. 49241-49242/2015)	Mentioned Only	Exhibited as supporting material; not explicitly adopted as controlling authority in the core reasoning.
Civil Appeal Nos. 6321-6322 of 2021, Supreme Court	Civil Appeal Nos. 6321-6322 of 2021	Mentioned Only	Exhibit P5, cited as related to Supreme Court decrees; not central to the present order’s reasoning.

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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 DEVAN RAMACHANDRAN** **FRIDAY, THE 2[ND] DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2022 / 11TH BHADRA, 1944** ## **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** ## **PETITIONERS:** **1 SUSAN B.ZACHARIAH AGED 77 YEARS D/O.KURIAN GEORGE, PARACKAL, COTMAN GARDENS, THUNDATHIL P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 581 (RETIRED PROFESSOR (SELECTION GRADE) OF PHYSICS, D.B. PAMPA COLLEGE, PARUMALA P.O.) 2 DR. P.K. ALEXANDER, AGED 76 YEARS S/O. C.K. KOSHY, VADAKKE KAVANAL, KALLUMALA P.O., MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 110, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF MALAYALAM, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA). 3 P.C. MATHEW, AGED 75 YEARS S/O. P.M. CHANDY, PUTHUPARAMPIL, KALLUMALA P.O., MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 110 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF PHYSICS, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA ). 4 SAM MOHAN JOHN, AGED 77 YEARS S/O. REV.M.S. JOHN, NADUVILEDATHU, KOTTARKAVU, MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 101 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF CHEMISTRY, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA) 5 DR. M.I. ANDREWS, AGED 80 YEARS S/O. M.IPE, MANNAPPARAMPIL, PUTHUPPALLY, KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN - 686 011 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, MAR THOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)** **6 C. JOHN THOMAS, AGED 83 YEARS S/O. C.M. THOMAS, KOLETH VILLA, KOZHENCHERRY, PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, PIN - 689 641 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF BOTANY, ST. THOMAS COLLEGE, KOZHENCHERRY)** **7 ABDU RAHIMAN P.N., AGED 73 YEARS S/O. P.N. VEERAN, FAYIZ VILLA, PATHAPPIRIYAM P.O., MALAPPURAM DISTRICT, PIN-676 123, (RETIRED PRINCIPAL, UNITY WOMEN'S COLLEGE, MANJERI)** **8 P.K. KOSHY, AGED 72 YEARS S/O. P.G. KOSHY, KANIANCHALIL HOUSE, PRAMADOM, MALLASSERY P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, PIN- 689 646, (RETIRED ASSOCIATE** **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **2** **PROFESSOR (L.S.G.) OF ENGLISH, CATHOLICATE COLLEGE, PATHANAMTHITTA)** - **9 THOMAS NINAN, AGED 84 YEARS S/O. K.T. NINAN, KARIMPIL, PRAIKARA, MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 110 (RETIRED SELECTION GRAD LECTURER, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKKARA)** - **10 INDIRA DEVI P., AGED 75 YEARS** - **11 GEORGE JACOB, AGED 75 YEARS** - **12** - **D/O. P.THACHU EZHUTHACHAN, NEELATH HOUSE, ARIYANNUR, THRISSUR - 680 102 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF MATHEMATICS, SREEKRISHNA COLLEGE, GURUVAYOOR)** - **S/O.T.V. CHACKO, DIL KUSH, KODUKULANJI P.O., CHENGANNUR, PATHANAMTHITTA- - 689 508, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA)** - **M.C. RADHAKRISHNAN, AGED 84 YEARS** - **S/O. N. PADMANABHA MENON, 'ARCHANA', R.G. GARDENS, PIRIVUSALA, CHANDRANAGAR. P.O., PALAKKAD 678 007 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF PHYSCIAL EDUCATION, SREE KERALA VARMA COLLEGE, THRISSUR)** - **13 ELIZABETH THOMAS, AGED 80 YEARS D/O. T.P. THOMAS, 12 C STAR PARADISE, CHERUPARAMBATHU ROAD, KADAVANTHRA, KOCHI - 682 020, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ENGLISH, ST. THOMAS COLLEGE, KOZHENCHERRY)** - **14 SAMUEL KUTTY. P.C., AGED 79 YEARS** - **S/O. P.K. CHACKO, KUTTIMURUPPEL, THOTTAMON, THEKKEPURAM, RANNY P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT - 689 672, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, ST. THOMAS COLLEGE, KOZHENCHERRY)** - **15 BHASKARAN NAIR P., AGED 88 YEARS** - **S/O. KUNJAN PILLAI S., PALAKKATTU PUTHEN VEEDU, NAYATHODE P.O., ANGAMALY, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 572 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ECONOMICS, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **16 THOMASKUTTY V.P., AGED 74 YEARS S/O. V.P. PUNNOOSE, VADATHALA HOUSE, MANJOOR SOUTH P.O., KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN - 686 603 (RETIRED PRINCIPAL, ST.** **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **3** ## **STEPHEN'S COLLEGE, UZHAVOOR)** ## **17 LATHA MACKIL, AGED 72 YEARS** **D/O. JAMES, VADATHALA HOUSE, MANJOOR SOUTH P.O., KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN- 686 603 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF PHYSICS, B.C.M. COLLEGE, KOTTAYAM)** - **18 PROF. E. JOHN MATHEW, AGED 72 YEARS** - **S/O. K.C. MATHEW, KOODARATHIL, SANCHAR LANE, MUTTAMBALOM P.O., KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN - 686 004. (RETIRED PRINCIAL, BASELIUS COLLEGE, KOTTAYAM).** - **19 GEETHAKRISHNAN G.K., AGED 78 YEARS** **D/O. K.C. KESAVA PILLAI, GEETHALAYAM, PALLAM P.O., KOTTAYAM - 686 007, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ENGLISH, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **20 AGED 83 YEARS** ## **R. LEELAMANI PILLAI,** **D/O.PURUSHOTHAMA KAIMAL N.,PALAKKAT PUTHEN VEEDU, NAYATHODE P.O., ANGAMALY, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 572 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF PHYSICS, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **21 L. JAYAKUMARI, AGED 72 YEARS** **D/O. C.K. BALAKRISHNA MENON, SURABHI, RAMANILAYAM, PERUMBAVOOR, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 542 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **22 A.V. ITTY, AGED 78 YEARS** **S/O. A.K. VARGHESE, ADIYANIL, KOTTARAKAVU, MAVEIKARA, ALAPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 101 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ENGLISH, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKMARA).** - **23 INDIRA DEVI. R., AGED 76 YEARS** - **D/O. P.K. RAGHAVAN NAIR, VRINDAVANAM, VENMUNAD, PAVARATTY P.O., THRISSUR DISTRICT, PIN - 680 507 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, SREE KRISHNA COLLEGE, GURUVAYUR)** - **24 JACOB GEORGE, AGED 78 YEARS** **S/O. K.N. GEORGE, LOVE DALE, ANGADICAL (S) P.O., CHENGANNUR, ALAPPUZHA - 689 122 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF** **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **4** ## **CHEMISTRY, CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, CHENGANNUR)** - **25 SOSAMMA M.T., AGED 76 YEARS** - **26 REETHA. M.T., AGED 76 YEARS** - **27 ANNE MARY VERGHESE, AGED 79 YEARS VIMALA COLLEGE, THRISSUR)** - **28 K.C. KURIAN, AGED 83 YEARS** - **29 GOPALAKRISHNA PILLAI. T.K., AGED 83 YEARS** - **30 N. NARAYANAN NAMBOODIRI, AGED 86 YEARS** **D/O. M.M. THOMAS, LOVE DALE, ANGADICKA (S) P.O., CHENGANNOOR, ALAPPUZHA - 689 122 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF CHEMISTRY, ST. THOMAS COLELGE, KOZHENCHERRY)** - **D/O. M.V. THOMAS, PEARL VILLA, DR. V.K.N. MENON ROAD, MYLIPADAM, THRISSUR - 680 004 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, ST. MARY'S COLLEGE, THRISSUR).** - **D/O. C.C. VERGHESE, C/O.MR.P.G. VARGHESE IPS, DLF RIVERSIDE FLAT, JANATHA ROAD, NEAR TOC-H NURSERY SCHOOL, ERNAKULAM-682 019 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, VIMALA COLLEGE, THRISSUR)** - **S/O. CHACKO CHACKO, KUTTENCHIRA HOUSE, KURICHY P.O., KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN - 686 532 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF BOTANY, CATHOLICATE COLLEGE, PATHANAMTHITTA)** - **S/O.G. KESAVA PILLAI, SREEVILAS, PRAYAR, PANDANAD NORTH P.O., KALLISSERY-689 124, CHENGANNUR, ALAPPUZHA (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF MATHEMATICS, MARTHOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)** **S/O. NEELAKANTAN NAMBOODIRI, NJATTIALA HANA, KALADY P.O., ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 574, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ECONOMICS, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **31 V. ARAVINDA RAJA, AGED 75 YEARS** **S/O.P.C.V. RAJA, MAHISHMATHI, KALPATHY. P.O., PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 678 003 (RETIRED ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, SREE KRISHNA COLLEGE, GURUVAYUR)** **32 KUNHAMMED. N., AGED 72 YEARS S/O. KUNHITHARUVAL, KOYILOTH HOUSE, P.O. VILAKKOTTUR, THUAKKUNNU, KOZHIKODE - 670 693 (RETIRED PRINCIPAL, N.A.M.** **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **5** ## **COLLEGE, KALLIKKANDY)** |**33**|**D. KANTHAMANY,**| |---|---| ||**AGED 80 YEARS**| ||**S/O.T.D. DETHAN, TC. 25/830, THEKKUMMOOD, VANCHIYOOR P.O.,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 035 (RETIRED PROFESSOR (SELECTION**| ||**GRADE) OF BOTANY, S.N.COLLEGE, CHEMPAZHANTHY)**| |**34**|**K.J. OOMMEN,**| ||**AGED 76 YEARS**| ||**S/O. K.C. JOSEPH, KEEKKATTIL HOUSE, OTHERA WEST, THANAMTHITTA-**| ||**689 551 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF MATHEMATICS,**| ||**MARTHOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)**| |**35**|**MARY ANNE PANIKER,**| ||**AGED 78 YEARS**| ||**D/O. THOMAS PANIKER, GOI AQUA APARTMENTS, NO.4, CARLESTON ROAD,**| ||**COOKE TOWN, BENGALURU - 560 005 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER, ALL SAINTS' COLLEGE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM)**| |**36**|**JACOB MATHEW,**| ||**AGED 77 YEARS**| ||**S/O. P.C. MATHAI, THARAKANVEETTIL PUTHENPURAYIL, MUTHOOR P.O.,**| ||**THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA-689 107, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER OF PHYSICS, CATHOLICATE COLLEGE, PATHANAMTHITTA)**| |**37**|**T. GEORGE VARUGHESE,**| ||**AGED 78 YEARS**| ||**S/O. T.C. VARUGHESE, CHERUKARA THEKKE MURIYIL, AYROOR SOUTH**| ||**P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA-689 611 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER**| ||**OF PHYSICS, ST. THOMAS COLELGE, KOZHENCHERY)**| |**38**|**RADHAKRISHNAN. N.,**| ||**AGED 77 YEARS**| ||**S/O.RAMANKUTTY, ADERSH BHAVAN, AYIROOR. P.O., VARKALA,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 310, NOW RESIDING AT KARUMALIL SUDHA**| ||**MANDIRAM, BISHOP PALACE ROAD, THANGASSERI. P.O., KOLLAM-691 007**| ||**(RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLGY, S.N. COLLEGE,**| ||**KOLLAM)**| |**39**|**MOHANA BABU,**| ||**AGED 81 YEARS**| ||**S/O. MADHAVAN, 'LAKSHMI' HOUSE, ASRAM LINK ROAD, KALADY,**| ||**ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 574, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER OF CHEMISTRY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| |**40**|**GEORGE M. CHERIAN,**| ||**AGED 84 YEARS**| ||**S/O. M.M. CHERIAN, MANGALATHU, EAST OF MAVELIKARA RAILWAY**| ||**STATION, MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 101,**| ||**(RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ECONOMICS, BISHOP MOORE**| **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **6** ## **COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA)** **41 PROF. O.A. NINAN, AGED 82 YEARS S/O. ABRAHAM, OORRIYAYIL, PURAMATTOM. P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, PIN - 689 543, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ENGLISH, MARTHOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)** |**42**|**C.V. VARUGHESE,**| |---|---| ||**AGED 85 YEARS**| ||**S/O.A.G. GEORGE, CODIYATTU ANACKALLIL HOUSE, THEEPANY,**| ||**THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA-689 101 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER OF ECONOMICS, MARTHOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)**| |**43**|**A.G. UNNIKRISHNAN NAIR. A.G.,**| ||**AGED 84 YEARS**| ||**S/O.GOPALA PILLAI, "PUSHPAM", ALANGAD ROAD, WEST KADUNGALLOOR,**| ||**ALUVA, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 110 (RETIRED SELECTION**| ||**GRADE LECTURER OF BOTANY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| |**44**|**M.A. PAPPACHAN,**| ||**AGED 78 YEARS**| ||**S/O. M.J. ABRAHAM, MANNAMKERIL HOUSE, THOTTAKOM P.O., VAIKOM,**| ||**KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN - 686 607 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER OF BOTANY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| |**45**|**R. OODAYA BHANU,**| ||**AGED 75 YEARS**| ||**S/O. RAGHAVAN, KESAVAM, PRIYADARSINI NAGAR 59A, KILIKOLLUR,**| ||**KOLLAM-691 004 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF CHEMISTRY,**| ||**SREE NARAYANA COLLEGE, KOLLAM)**| |**46**|**SUSEELA. G.,**| ||**AGED 77 YEARS**| ||**D/O. R. PEETHAMBARAN, NANDAVANAM (R.G. 209), MEDICAL COLLEGE**| ||**P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 011. (RETIRED ASSOCIATE**| ||**PROFESSOR OF ZOOLOGY, SREE NARAYANA COLLEGE, CHEMPAZHANTHY)**| |**47**|**RADHAKRISHNA PANICKER. K.S.,**| ||**AGED 75 YEARS**| ||**S/O.P.SIVATHANU PILLAI "ARCHANA", ASHRAMAM ROAD, KALADY,**| ||**ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 574 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER OF BOTANY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **7** |**48**|**RADHA DEVI AMMA. T.,**| |---|---| ||**AGED 77 YEARS**| ||**S/O. P.K. BALAKRISHNAN NAIR, FLAT NO. 13C, MAPLE LEAF, HEERA**| ||**SWISS TOWN, KANJIRAMPARA P.O., SASTHAMANGLAM,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695030 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF**| ||**HISTORY, SREE NARAYANA COLLEGE, CHEMPAZHANTHY)**| |**49**|**LEELAMMA JOSEPH,**| ||**AGED 84 YEARS**| ||**D/O. PHILIP THAYIL, VAYATTATTIL HOUSE, OPP. NIRMALA SCHOOL,**| ||**ALUVA, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 101, (RETIRED SELECTION**| ||**GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| |**50**|**JOY JOHN,**| ||**AGED 74 YEARS**| ||**S/O. A.O. JOHN, AREEPARAMPIL HOUSE, EAST OF RAILWAY STATION,**| ||**MAVELIKKARA, ALAPPUZHA - 690 101 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER OF COMMERCE, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA)**| |**51**|**ANNIE GEORGE,**| ||**AGED 68 YEARS**| ||**K.C. GEORGE, AREEPARAMBIL HOUSE, EAST OF RAILWAY STATION,**| ||**MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 101 (RETIRED**| ||**SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF BOTANY, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE,**| ||**MAVELIKARA)**| |**52**|**ANNA SUSY JOHN,**| ||**FAMILY PENSIONER, (W/O.LATE JACOB. K.C., RETIRED SELECTION**| ||**GRADE LECTURER OF PHYSICS, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA)**| ||**KADACKAL HOUSE, EAST OF RAILWAY STATION, MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA**| ||**DISTRICT, PIN - 690 101.**| |**53**|**MAHADEVAN. V.R.,**| ||**AGED 84 YEARS**| ||**S/O. V.V. RAMASWAMY, B-203, NANDI CITIADEL, CHANDRASEKHARAPURA**| ||**VILLAGE, YELENAHALLI, BANGALORE, KARNATAKA - 560 076, (RETIRED**| ||**SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ENGLISH, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE,**| ||**KALADY)**| |**54**|**T.C. VARUGHESE,**| ||**AGED 77 YEARS**| ||**S/O.T.G. CHACKO, THOTTATHIL HOUSE, CHENGANNUR P.O., ALAPPUZHA**| ||**DISTRICT, PIN - 689 121 (RETIRED PRINCIPAL, CHRISTIAN COLLEGE,**| ||**CHENGANNUR)**| |**55**|**V. NARAYANI KUTTY,**| ||**AGED 76 YEARS**| ||**D/O.U. RAMAN NAIR, 'HARI KRISHNA', 4TH EDAYAR STREET, MANKAVU,**| ||**PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 678 013 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE**| ||**LECTURER OF ENGLISH, SREE KRISHNA COLLEGE, GURUVAYUR)**| **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **8** - **56 MATHEWS K. MATHEWS, AGED 76 YEARS** - **S/O. K.C. MATHEW, KALAPPURAIL, CHEGUVERA LANE, KALLAYAM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT, PIN - 695 043, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF PHYSICS, CATHOLICATE COLLEGE, PATHANAMTHITTA)** - **57 PROF. S. VIJAYAN NAIR, AGED 80 YEARS** - **S/O.E.K. SIVARAMAN NAIR, RAJ NIVAS, PAZHAVEEDU. P.O., ALAPPUZHA - 688 009 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF BOTANY, S.D. COLLEGE, ALAPPUZHA)** - **58 P.G. ANNAMMA, AGED 78 YEARS** - **D/O. P.J. GEORGE, CHUDUKATTIL MANAPPURATHU, EAST OF RAILWAY STATION, MAVELIKARA P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 101 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF HINDI, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA)** - **59 AGED 78 YEARS** ## **N. SASIDHARAN NAIR,** - **S/O. P.A. NARAYANA PILLAI, POURNAMI (KAPPILLIL), KALADY P.O., ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 574 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ECONOMICS, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **60 ELIZABETH MATHEW AGED 74 YEARS** - **D/O. V.A. MATHEW, KARUVELIL ANCHIL, NADUVILEMURI, THALAVADY P.O., THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, PIN - 689 572 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF CHEMISTRY, MARTHOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)** - **61 MATHEWS VARKEY, AGED 77 YEARS** - **S/O. K.V. VARKEY, KARUVELIL ANCHIL, NADUVILEMURI, THALAVADY P.O., THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, PIN - 689 572 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF BOTANY, MAR THOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)** - **62 ABRAHAM SEBASTIAN, AGED 73 YEARS** **S/O. A.S. ABRAHAM, AIKARA, COLLECTORATE P.O., KOTTAYAM - 682 002 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF COMMERCE, M.S.M. COLLEGE, KAYAMKULAM)** - **63 JOSEPH TITO, AGED 74 YEARS S/O. N.G. THOMAS, NERIAMPARAMBIL, THURUTHY P.O., CHANGANACHERRY, KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN -686 535 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF BOTANY, S.B. COLLEGE,** **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **9** ## **CHENGANACHERRY)** - **64 PROF. J. STANLO JONES, AGED 75 YEARS** **S/O. L. JOHNSON, JOY GARDENS, TC. 3/1995(3), SIVAMANGALAM LANE, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 004 (RETIRED PROFESSOR (SELECTION GRADE LECTURER) OF PHYSICS, CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, KATTAKADA)** - **65 BABY CHACKO, AGED 74 YEARS CHANGANASSERY)** - **66 REV. ITTY MATHEW, AGED 81 YEARS** - **67 K.P. NATARAJA PILLAI, AGED 77 YEARS SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **68 DR. SHEILA. S. CHERIAN, AGED 73 YEARS** **S/O. E.C. CHACKO, ELAPUNKAL, PUNNAVELY P.O., KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, PIN - 689 589 (RETIRED PROFESSOR OF BOTANY, S.B. COLLEGE, CHANGANASSERY)** - **S/O. REV.I. MATHEW, MUTHUTHOTTATHU, KALLUMALA P.O., MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 110, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF CHEMISTRY, BISHOP MOORE COLLEGE, MAVELIKARA)** - **S/O. PARAMESWARAN PILLAI, KUTTIYIL HOUSE, EREZHA NORTH, CHETTIKULANGARA P.O., MAVELIKARA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 690 106 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ECONOMICS, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** - **D/O. O.C. CHERIAN, CHIPPY, KANNAMMOOLA, MEDICAL COLLEGE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT, PIN - 695 011 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, ALL SAINTS COLLEGE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM)** - **69 AGED 81 YEARS** ## **M.P. MAHESWARIKUTTY AMMA,** **AISWARYA, PEREKATT LANE, BRIDGE ROAD, ALUVA, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 101, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ENGLISH, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, MATTOOR, KALADY).** - **70 VIMALA DEVI Y., AGED 79 YEARS** - **W/O. KRISHNAN NAIR, NAVAL LINKS, VALAYANCHIRANGARA, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 556 (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ECONOMICS, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)** ## **71 SATHYABHAMA C., AGED 80 YEARS** - **D/O. RAMA VARMA THAMPURAN, 32/468, CHAZHOOR KOVILAKAM, NEAR K.K. LANE, POONKUNNAM P.O., THRISSUR - 680 002 (RETIRED** **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **10** ## **SELECTION GRADE LECTURER OF ENGLISH, SREE KRISHNA COLEGE, VURUVAYUR)** |**72**|**P.K. ABRAHAM,**| |---|---| ||**AGED 77 YEARS**| ||**S/O. P.V. KURIAN, CHERTHIPURACKAL PULIMOOTTIL, KATTUKARA,**| ||**THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA-689 101 (RETIRED PRINCIPAL OF**| ||**ST.CYRILS COLLEGE, ADOOR)**| |**73**|**BHADRAMANI,**| ||**AGED 78 YEARS**| ||**E. RAMAN BATTATHIRI, CHAITHANYA, BALAKRISHNA MENON ROAD,**| ||**EDAPPALLY, KOCHI - 682 024, (RETIRED SELECTION GRADE LECTURER**| ||**OF ZOOLOGY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| |**74**|**JACOB KURIAN,**| ||**AGED 76 YEARS**| ||**S/O. M.C. KURIAN, MATHILUNKAL HOUSE, RAILWAY STATION ROAD,**| ||**THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA-689 101 (RETIRED PRINCIPAL, MAR**| ||**THOMA COLLEGE, THIRUVALLA)**| |**75**|**C.P. DEVASSY,**| ||**AGED 83 YEARS**| ||**S/O. C.O. PHILY, CHACKAUNGAL HOUSE, SREEMILANGARAM P.O.,**| ||**ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN - 683 580. (RETIRE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR**| ||**OF PHYSICS, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| |**76**|**THOMAS STEPHEN,**| ||**AGED 73 YEARS**| ||**S/O.C.J. ESTHAPPANOSE, CHIRACKAL HOUSE, VENGOOR, KIDANGOOR,**| ||**ANGAMALY, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN- 683 572 (RETIRED SELECTION**| ||**GRADE LECTURER OF ZOOLOGY, SREE SANKARA COLLEGE, KALADY)**| |**77**|**PROF. K.M. VARUGHESE,**| ||**AGED 86 YEARS**| ||**S/O. K.E. MATHEW, MANGATTU HOUSE, MELUKARA, KOZHENCHERY P.O.,**| ||**PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, PIN - 689 641 (RETIRED PROFESSOR**| ||**GRADE-I OF HINDI, ST. THOMAS COLLEGE, KOZHENCHERY)**| |**78**|**M.C. JOSEPH,**| ||**AGED 76 YEARS**| ||**S/O. M.U. CHACKO, MANGATTU HOUSE, DEEPTHI NAGAR, MUTTAMBALAM,**| ||**KOTTAYAM - 686 004 (RETIRED PRINCIPAL, K.G. COLLEGE, PAMPADY)**| ||**BY ADV M.S.RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR**| **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **11** ## **RESPONDENTS:** - **1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.** - **2 THE ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY, HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.** - **3 THE ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY, FINANCE DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.** - **4 THE PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT GENERAL (A & E), OFFICE OF THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001.** - **5 THE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE EDUCATION, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE EDUCATION, VIKAS BHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 033.** - **6 THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, PADMAVILASOM, FORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 023.** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** ## **PARVATHY-GP** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 02.09.2022, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **12** ## **J U D G M E N T** When this matter was called today, the learned counsel on both sides were _ad idem_ that the issues in this case have already been settled through a judgment of this Court in **Lizamma Manuel and** **others v. State of Kerala and others** [W.P.(C) No.19444/2022]. 2. In the afore circumstances, I am certain that the petitioners in this case are also entitled to the reliefs as have been granted to the petitioners in the afore said judgment. 3. Resultantly, I order this writ petition to the limited extent of directing the Government to reconsider Clause 6.1 of the Government Order, bearing No.GO(P)No.38/2021/Fin. dated 25.02.2021, as also its subsequent order bearing No.GO(P)No.162/2021/Fin. dated 02.12.2021, in the conspectus of the observations in the judgment in **Lizamma Manuel** ( _supra_ ) and adverting specifically to the precedents cited therein. 4. The afore exercise shall be done by the Government, after affording an opportunity of being heard to the petitioners or to their representatives, _de hors_ Ext.P2 order; thus culminating in an appropriate order and necessary action thereon, as expeditiously as is possible, but not later than three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **13** 5. Needless to say, even though I have not quashed the order dated 25.02.2021 or even Clause 6.1 of the same, I am certain that Government must consider the claims of the petitioners, including by modification of the said Clause - if it is so warranted, adverting to the declarations of law by the Hon'ble Supreme Court; in which event, all necessary consequences will thereafter follow, without any avoidable delay. As I have already said in the aforementioned judgment, this Court is persuaded to the opinion therein because even when the State pleads financial stringency, only the pensioners put to detriment, without any other sections being asked to shoulder the responsibility. In fact, the pensioners are the more vulnerable category - they having reached the autumn of their lives; and reduction of their financial support would certainly put them to greater prejudice than the persons who are in service or who are younger. This will also be kept in mind by the Government while issuing the orders in terms of the afore directions. **Sd/-** ## **DEVAN RAMACHANDRAN JUDGE** rp **WP(C) NO. 28798 OF 2022** **14** ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 28798/2022** ## **PETITIONER EXHIBITS** **Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(P) NO. 211/2011/FIN DATED 7.5.2011 ISSUED BY THE FINANCE (PENSION-B) DEPARTMENT.** **Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE G.O.(P) NO. 16/2014/FIN DATED 10.1.2014 ISSUED BY THE FINANCE (PENSION-B) DEPARTMENT** **Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN O.A.(EKM) NO. 569/2016 DATED 30.3.2022 OF THE KERALA ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH.** **Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN W.P. NOS. 775-787/2015 ALONG WITH W.P. NOS. 49241 - 49242 OF 2015 OF KARNATAKA HIGH COURT** **Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN CIVIL APPEAL NOS. 6321 - 6322 OF 2021 OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT.**