High Court of KeralaDivision Bench2018-10-25Writ appeals allowed to the extent of holding t...

W.A. No. 37 of 2011 and connected cases (Kerala State Electricity Board v. Vikraman Ashari and others)

Case / Petition Number:WA No. 37 of 2011 (and connected cases)

Neutral Citation:/

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: K. Vinod Chandran
A. Muhamed Mustaque
Ashok Menon
Judgment Date: 2018-10-25
Court Decision / Holding: Writ appeals disposed; the Court holds that there is no discrimination found on the cut-off date for commutation of pension. Nakara’s principles are not considered to have been watered down in these petitions. The court orders that there can be no reopening of commutation based on the cut-off date; the matter is resolved to avoid sending back the batch of cases to Division Bench; costs to be borne by the parties.
Final Disposition: Writ appeals allowed to the extent of holding that there can be no discrimination on the cut-off date for commutation of pension; Nakara’s core principles not found to be diluted; costs awarded to the parties.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD
CHIEF ENGINEER (HRM) – KSEB

Respondents

VIKRAMAN ASHARI
K. RAMAN
SELvanayagam SELROSE
LAKSHMI DEVI S.
DEEPTI RAJASEKHARAN
KEERTHI RAJASEKHARAN
C. SULOCHANA
T.S. AYISHA BEEVI
P. GIRija
P. C. SEBASTIAN
K. GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR
N. RAJAN
K.P. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR
JOSEPH THOMAS
P.A. SALIHAMMA
N.C. OUSEPH
M.T. JOSE MOOUJELLY
KUNJU KUNJU A. I. AREEEKAL
A.SREEKUMAR SRUTHI
MANI R. VADATHODE
P.S. GOPALAKRISHNA IYER
C. KRISHNAN D NIVAS
RAJAMANI P.
P. M. AISHABI
NAJMA (and several other respondents in connected matters)
M.K. ABDUL MAJEED
B. CHITHRA
K.P. RETTAMMA
B. SASIDHARAN
RAJAMANI P.
B. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR
K. VISWAMBARAN
S. REGHURAMANPOTTY
S. VELAYUDHAN ASARI RENJITH BHAVAN
K. RAMACHANDRAN PILLAI
GEORGE T. CHERIAN
I. S. SREEKUMARAN NAIR
K. SUKUMARAN NAIR
R. VIJAYAKUMARAN NAIR
N. SASIDHARAN NAIR
R. K. SASI
M. VIKRAMAN NAIR
K. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR
N. MAHAVAN
G. MOHANAKUMAR NAIR
Sekhara Pillai
K. SASIDHARAN NAIR
K. KRISHNANKUTTY
P. VIKRAMAN NAIR
K.P. SREEKUMAR
N. KESAVA PERUMAL
A. ABBAS NASS NIVAS
P. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR
G. VISWAMBARAN
S. RENJITH BHAVAN
K. RAMACHANDRAN PILLAI
G. GEORGE T. CHERIAN
I. S. SREEKUMARAN NAIR
K. SUKUMARAN NAIR
R. VIJAYAKUMARAN NAIR
N. SASIDHARAN NAIR
R.K. SASI
M. VIKRAMAN NAIR
K. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR
N. MAHAVAN
G. MOHANAKUMAR NAIR

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

• SRI.ASOK M. CHERIYAN
• SRI.K.T. PAULOSE
• SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER
• SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.)
• SRI.N.N. SUGUNAPALAN (SR.)
• SRI.S.SUJIN

Counsels for Respondents

• SMT.M.SHAJNA
• SRI.K.M.FIROZ

Case Synopsis & Summary

This batch of writ appeals concerns the Kerala State Electricity Board’s Pay Revision Order dated 11.11.2008 (B.O. (FB) No.2748/2008) which differentiated pension-related benefits (DCRG and commutation) based on retirement dates. Eightteen-plus writ petitions were heard together, with several retired KSEB employees challenging the order as discriminatory, arguing that it violated the principles laid down in D.S. Nakara v. Union of India regarding unjustified cut-off dates and the right to pension benefits. The matter traversed a complex procedural course: a learned Single Judge had struck down or questioned the cut-off in some petitions, a Division Bench had in other cases been divided, and the matter was referred to a Full Bench due to conflict of opinion between earlier Division Bench decisions (Dasan v. State of Kerala and P.N. Raghukumar cases). The Full Bench identified that the core issue is the commutation of pension and whether Nakara’s protections endure in the modern framework. The judgment ultimately holds that there can be no discrimination on the cut-off date for commutation and that Nakara’s core principles have not been fundamentally diluted for these petitions. The court disposed of the writ appeals to the extent of upholding non-discrimination on the commutation cut-off, with costs against the parties.

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

D.S. Nakara v. Union of India (AIR 1983 SC 130) – the principle governing commutation and pension revisiting; no reopening of commutation once granted; re-emphasizes a rational basis for pension-related classifications.
Intelligible differentia and nexus test (twin test) as discussed in related decisions such as Dasan v. State of Kerala and P.N. Raghukumar (supra).

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The appellants contend that the Pay Revision Order (11.11.2008) discriminates between retirees based on their date of retirement, particularly affecting DCRG limits and commutation provisions. They argue that Nakara v. UOI requires a rational, non-arbitrary classification and that the cut-off should be struck down if irrational. They contend that the prior Single Judge’s reasoning, though halted by conflicting Division Bench opinions, reflects an overall need to scrutinize the financial constraints and administrative exigencies that justify any differential treatment. The applicants rely on the twin-test (intelligible differentia and nexus) and urge re-examination of the classification, especially where commutation is concerned, given the potential restoration of benefits after pay revision.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents emphasize the State’s financial constraints and administrative exigencies, arguing that the classification is founded on legitimate policy considerations and is rationally connected to the object of reforming pension-related benefits. They rely on higher Courts’ rulings that Nakara’s strict protection of commutation and cut-off dates has been diluted by subsequent decisions, and that uniform treatment of retirees is not inherently unconstitutional if supported by economic grounds. They also point to the need to maintain fiscal sustainability and avoid arbitrary treatment, asserting that the changes were necessary to ensure the viability of pension schemes.

Cited Precedents (3)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
D.S. Nakara v. Union of India	AIR 1983 SC 130	Positive	The judgment relies on Nakara to uphold the non-reopening of commutation and to assess the rational basis for pension-related classifications.
Dasan v. State of Kerala	2014(4) KHC 747	Mentioned Only	Cited as part of a conflict in Division Bench opinions later referred to Full Bench; not expressly adopted or distinguished in the final order.
Kerala State Electricity Board v. P.N. Raghukumar and others	2011(4) KHC 900 DB	Mentioned Only	Cited in context of conflicting precedents; the Full Bench was called to resolve the conflict between this and Dasan.

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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 K.VINOD CHANDRAN THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940 WA.No. 37 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 20651/2010 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 02-08-2010** ## **APPELLANT/S:** |**1**|**KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD**| |---|---| ||**VYDHYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,**| ||**REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY.**| |**2**|**THE CHIEF ENGINEER (HRM)**| ||**KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD,**| ||**VYDHYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM .**| ||**BY ADVS.**| ||**SRI.N.N.SUGUNAPALAN (SR.)**| ||**SRI.S.SUJIN**| ## **RESPONDENT/S:** |**1**|**THE VIKRAMAN ASHARI**| |---|---| ||**S/O. T. PADMANABHAN ASHARI, AGED 58 YEARS,**| ||**ANUSREE, SANTHIVILA NEMOM, PO,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -695020,**| ||**(SENIOR ASSISTANT, ELECTRIC DIVISION, KSEB.**| ||**RETIRED.)**| |**2**|**K.RAMAN**| ||**JYOTHIS, T.C. 9/851-2, V.J.LANE,**| ||**SARTHAMANALAM P O,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -695010,**| ||**(ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT, KSEB RETIRED)**| W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 2 **Page 2 of W.A No.37/2011** ## **3 SELVANAYAGAM** **SELROSE, KOLLIYODE PARASSUVAKKAL, PARASSALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695502. (ASSISTANT ENGINEER, KSEB RETIRED.)** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** **SRI RAJU JOSEPH SENIOR, SRI K T POULOSE, SRI RENIL ANTO SR GP** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, WA.208/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 3 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** ## **WA.No. 1144 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 9993/2011 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 29-03-2011** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDHUTHI BHAVAN, PATTAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001.** - **2 CHIEF ENGINEER (HRM) KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD, VYDHUTHI BHAVAN, PATTAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-1.** **BY ADV. SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER, SC, KSEB** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 C.THOMAS ATHIKALAM HOUSE, CHATHURTHICKARY P.O., MANCOMBU,, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT (RETIRED AS OVERSEER FROM THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD ON, 31/5/2004 AN).** - **2 C.RADHA** **VINU BHAVAN, KP 111/1116, SANTHYVILLA, NEMOM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, (RETIRED AS ASSISTANT REGIONAL AUDIT OFFICER FROM THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD ON 31/8/2004 AN).** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 4 ## **Page 2 of W.A No.1144/2011** **3 C.SULOCHANA TC 41/1233, MANOJ BHAVAN, MANACAUD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 695 009, (RETIRED AS ASSISTANT REGIONAL AUDIT OFFICER FROM THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD ON 31/8/2004 AN).** - **4 T.S. AYISHA BEEVI T.C.3/1198(4), L.N.C. 13/2, LEKSHMI NAGAR, PATTOM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (RETIRED AS ASSISTANT SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT FROM THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD ON 31/7/2004 AN).** - **5 P.GIRIJA** **SAI GOKUL, P.K.RA 31, NEAR SUBRAMONIAM TEMPLE, PATTOM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 004, (RTD. ASST. ACCOUNTS OFFICER FROM THE KERALA STATE, ELECTRICITY BOARD ON 30/6/2006 AN).** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** **SRI RAJU JOSEPH SENIOR SC, KSEB SRI K T POULOSE,** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 5 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** **WA.No. 1124 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 3067/2011 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 31-01-2011** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDHUTHI BHAVAN,, PATTAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001.** - **2 CHIEF ENGINEER (HRM) KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD,, VYDHUTHI BHAVAN, PATTAM,, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-1. BY ADV. SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER, SC, KSEB** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** |**1**|**LAKSHMI DEVI S.**| |---|---| ||**W/O.RAJASEKHARAN, KOOTHAPILLY HOUSE,, (NMRPA-**| ||**3), MANIMALA ROAD, EDAPPALLY,, KOCHI-682 024.**| |**2**|**DEEPTHI RAJASEKHARAN**| ||**AGED 3 YEARS**| ||**KOOTHAPILLY HOUSE, (NMRPA-3),, MANIMALA ROAD,**| ||**EDAPPALLY, KOCHI-682 024.**| W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 6 Page 2 No.1124/2011 **3 KEERTHI RAJASEKHARAN KOOTHAPILLY HOUSE, (NMRPA-3), MANIMALA ROAD, EDAPPALLY, KOCHI-682 024.** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** **SRI RAJU JOSEPH SENIOR SC, KSEB SRI K T POULOSE,** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 7 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** **WA.No. 873 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 1890/2011 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 19-01-2011** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 THE KERLALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDHYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.** - **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER HRMS, VAIDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM, PALACE.P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.** **BY ADVS. SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN, SC, KSEB SRI.K.T.PAULOSE SC KSEB SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER SC KSEB SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.)** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 PAUL GEORGE N. AGED 58, RESIDING AT 25/402 D, NJALIYATH HOUSE, PUTHIYA KAV THRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM-682301, (RETIRED AS DEPUTY CHIEF ENGINEER FROM THE KSEB, ON 31-08-2007 FN).** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 8 ## **Page 2 of WA.No. 873 of 2011** - **2 B.R. VENUGOPALN NAIR S/O. K.K.VASUDEVAN NAIR, AGED 60, BHASKARA VILASOM, CHENKAL, CHENKAL.P.O., NEYYATTINKARA, (RETIRED AS SUB, ENGINEER, FROM THE KSEB ON 282-2006 FN).** - **3 K.K.VASUDEVAN NAIR KUNNATHOOR HOUSE PODIYADI.P.O., THIRUVALLA PIN-689110(RETIRED AS, OVERSEER FROM THE KSEB ON 30-1-2006 AN).** - **4 B. SASIDHARAN GEETHALAYAM NEAR AMMANKOVIL, A.N.R. 36, POOVAR ROAD, NEYYATTINKARA (RETIRED AS SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, FROM THE KSEB ON 31-05-2006 FN)** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 9 ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940 WA.No. 826 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 37594/2009 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 22-02-2011** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.** **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER HRMS, VYDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O ,, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.** **BY ADVS. SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.) SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN SC KSEB SRI.K.T.PAULOSE SC KSEB SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER SC KSEB** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** **1 P.C.S EBASTIAN S/O.PANICHEPPILLIL, MOOLAMATTOM.P.O.,, IDUKKI DISTRICT, PIN-685 589., (SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT WORKMAN KSEB-RETIRED).** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 10 **Page 2 of WA.No. 826 of 2011** - **2 K.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR** - **KIZHAKKEVIKAKATHU PUTHEN VEEDU, PERUKAVU P.O., VILAVOORKAL, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, (LINE MAN, KSEB-RETIRED).** - **3 N.RAJAN** **TC 18/136(2), PLAVILA, THIRUMALA P.O., PIN-695 006, ( AEE KSEB-RETIRED).** - **4 K.P.MURALEEDHARAN NAIR** **TC 6/2262, KOCHU VEEDU, VALIYAVILA, VATTIYOORKAVU P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, (OFFICE ATTENDER KSEB-RETIRED).** - **5 JOSEPH THOMAS** - **PAZHAYA PEEDIKAYIL, THURUTHICADU, TIRUVALLA, (SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, KSEB-RETIRED).** - **6 P.A.SALIHAMMA** **NEERANJANAM, MYTHRI NAGAR, PATTATHANAM P.O.,, KOLLAM (BOARD SECRETARY KSEB-RETIRED).** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 11 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** **WA.No. 807 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 567/2011 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 07-01-2011** **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.** **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER HRMS, VYDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE.P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.** **BY ADVS. SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN, SC, KSEB SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.) SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER SC KSEB SRI.K.T.PAULOSE SC KSEB** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** **1 N.C. OUSEPH S/O. THOMA CHACKO, AGED 61 YEARS, NALKARA HOUSE, NEAR RAILWAY STATION, KARUKUTTY, PIN-683 576, (RETIRED AS ASSISTANT, ENGINEER FROM THE KSEB ON 1/6/2005 FN).** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 12 **Page 2 of WA.No. 807 of 2011** - **2 M.T.JOSE MOOUJELLY HOUSE, VIP LANE, ANGAMALY P.O., PIN683 572, (RETIRED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER FROM THE KSEB ON, 1/9/2007 FN).** - **3 KUNJU KUNJU A.I. AREECKAL HOUSE, MAIKAD P.O., KARIAD, ERNAKULAM,, PIN -683 589), (RETIRED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER FROM THE KSEB ON 1/4/2005 FN).** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 13 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** **WA.No. 805 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 149/2011 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 04-01-2011** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- 4.** - **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER HRMS, VAIDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- 4.** **BY ADVS. SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN, SC, KSEB SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.) SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER SC KSEB SRI.K.T.PAULOSE SC KSEB** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** **1 A.SREEKUMAR SRUTHI, INDIRAN NAGAR, AMBATTUPALAYAM, CHITTUR COLLEGE P.O., PIN- 678 104, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, (RETIRED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER FROM THE KSEB, ON 1/5/2005 FN).** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 14 ## **Page 2 of WA.No. 805 of 2011** - **2 MANI R. VADATHODE VADAKKEPADAM, CHITTUR - 678 101 (RETIRED AS VADAKKEPADAM, CHITTUR, PIN - 678 101** **(RETIRED AS OVERSEER, FROM THE KSEB ON 1/5/2005 FN).** - **3 P.S.GOPALAKRISHNA IYER KARTHIKA, VELLANTHARA, CHITTUR, PALAKKAD - 678 101, (RETIRED AS SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, FROM THE KSEB ON 1/6/2005 FN).** - **4 C.KRISHNAN D AND D NIVAS VADATHODE, CHITTUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 101, (RETIRED AS OVERSEER FROM THE KSEB ON 31/12/2005 F.N.)** - **5 RAJAMANI P.** **RAMLATH HOUSE, VADATHODE, CHITTUR P.O., PALAKKAD - 678 101, (RETIRED AS OVERSEER FROM THE KSEB ON 1/4/2007 FN).** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 15 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** ## **WA.No. 798 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 38495/2010 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 04-01-2011** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDYUTHI BHAVAN, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004.** - **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER (HRMS), KSEB, VAIDYUTHI BHAVAN, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004.** - **3 THE SPECIAL OFFICER THE MANAGING COMMITTEE, KSE BOARD, VAIDHYUTHI BHAVAN, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM695 004.** **BY ADVS. SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN, SC, KSEB SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.) SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER SC KSEB SRI.K.T.PAULOSE SC KSEB** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 16 **Page 2 of WA.No. 798 of 2011** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** - **1 P.M.AISHABI AND OTHERS W/O.ADV.K.B.MOHAMEDKUTTY,, AGED 61 YEARS, RETIRED SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, (KSEB), NAJMA, CLUB JUNCTION P.O.,, EDAPPALLY, KOCHI-24.** - **2 THE STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, POWER C DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001.** - **3 THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY FINANCE (RULES DEPARTMENT) THE GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 001.** **BY ADVS. SMT.M.SHAJNA SRI.K.M.FIROZ** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.793/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 17 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** **WA.No. 793 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 2808/2011 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDHUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O, THIRUVANANTHAPRUAM -4.** - **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER, HRMS, VAIDHUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -4.** **BY ADVS. SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.) SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN SC KSEB SRI.K.T.PAULOSE SC KSEB SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER SC KSEB** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** |**1**|**M.K. ABDUL MAJEED**| |---|---| ||**S/O.M.M. KOCHU UNNI, AGED 50 YEARS,**| ||**MADATHILPARAMBIL HOUSE, VENNALA P.O,, KOCHI**| ||**(RETIRED AS ASSISTANT ENGINEER FROM, KSEB ON**| ||**01/10/2006 F.N.)**| 18 W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases **Page 2 of WA.No. 793 of 2011** - **2 B.CHITHRA HOUSE NO. 3482 BEENA ANCHUMANA ROAD, EDAPPALLY,, KOCHI,** **(RETIRED AS SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, FROM THE KSEB ON 01/11/2004 F.N)** - **3 K.P. RETNAMMA** **KARIVELIPARAMBIL, KALOOR, KOCHI -17 (RETIRED AS SUPERINTENDENT FROM THE KSEB ON 01/05/2004 F.N)** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.791/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 19 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940 WA.No. 791 of 2011 AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 4247/2011 of HIGH COURT** **OF KERALA DATED 09-02-2011** ## **APPELLANT/S:** **1 THE KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VYDYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4. 2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER HRMS, VAIDHYUTHI BHAVANAM,, PATTOM, PALACE P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-4.** **BY ADVS. SRI.RAJU JOSEPH (SR.) SRI. ASOK M.CHERIYAN SC KSEB SRI.K.T.PAULOSE SC KSEB SRI.PULIKOOL ABUBACKER SC KSEB RESPONDENT/S: BRIGHT K.O. H.NO. 32/819, VYLOPPILLY ROAD, PALARIVATTOM, KOCHI-682 025, RETIRED AS SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT FROM THE KSEB ON 1-10-2003 FN.** ## **BY ADV. SMT.P.K.RADHIKA** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.1144/2011, WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011, WA.826/2011, WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011, WA.798/2011, WA.793/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 20 **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** ## **and** **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK MENON** **THURSDAY ,THE 25TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2018 / 3RD KARTHIKA, 1940** **WA.No. 208 of 2011** **AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 30613/2009 of HIGH COURT OF KERALA DATED 23-07-2010** ## **APPELLANT/S:** - **1 KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD, VYDHYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY.** - **2 THE CHIEF ENGINEER (HRM) KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD, VYDHYUTHI BHAVANAM, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.** **BY ADVS. SRI.N.N.SUGUNAPALAN (SR.) SRI.S.SUJIN** ## **RESPONDENT/S:** |**1**|**SEKHARA PILLAI**| |---|---| ||**S/O. KUMARA PILLAI,**| ||**BHAGAVATHY VILAS, NALLATHU ROAD,**| ||**POOJAPURA P.O.,**| ||**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695012.**| W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 21 ## **Page 2 of WA.No. 208 of 2011** - **2 K. SASIDHARAN NAIR, ANAND, T.C. 5/785-78, PEROORKADA P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695005.** - **3 K. KRISHNANKUTTY T.C.19/1619, RAJEEKRISHNA, THAMALAM, POOJAPPURA P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695012.** - **4 P. VIKRAMAN NAIR, VYSHNAVAM, T.C.28/2777, CHETTIKULANGARA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 690106.** - **5 K.P. SREEKUMAR,SREEKUMAR HOUSE, T.C.30/1818(A), BHAGATH SINGH ROAD, PATTOM P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695024.** - **6 N. KESAVA PERUMAL T.C.5/701, ASATHI, PEROORKADA P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695005.** - **7 A. ABBAS NASS NIVAS, MANVILA, KULATHOOR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695583.** - **8 P. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR GOVINDA VILAS, SARKARA, CHIRAYINKEEZH, PIN-695304.** **9 G. VISWAMBARAN T.C. 36/54, VEEVEES, N.H. BYPASS, KAIRALI, PETTAH P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695008.** **10 S. REGHURAMANPOTTY T.C.42/881(5), CHAITHANNYA, SREENAGAR 278, VALLAKKADAVU P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -695008.** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 22 ## **Page 2 of WA.No. 208 of 2011** - **11 S. VELAYUDHAN ASARI RENJITH BHAVAN, THATTANVILA, PERUKAVU P.O., PIN- 695573.** - **12 K. RAMACHANDRAN PILLAI T.C.8/525/2, ORAB 31, HAREE SREE, ODANKUZHILANE, THIRUMALA P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695017.** - **13 GEORGE T. CHERIAN T.C. 4/1282, K.R.A.A.-26, KOWDIAR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695003.** - **14 I.S. SREEKUMARAN NAIR, SREEMANA, T.C. 15/1705-1, VOLTAS LANE, VAZHUTHACAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695014.** - **15 K.SUKUMARAN NAIR PAMBIL HOUSE, T.C. 27/1805(1), V.R.A. 26A, VANCHIYOOR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695035.** - **16 R. VIJAYAKUMARAN NAIR KRIPA, T.C. 36/1352(JPN 62), PERUMATHANNI, VALLAKADAVU, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695008.** - **17 N. SASIDHARAN NAIR T.C.11/1786(3), SOWPARNIKA, KAWADIAR P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695003.** - **18 R.K. SASI, FLAT NO. CF 6/14/1455, P.T. CHACKO NAGAR, ULLOOR, MEDICAL COLLEGE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695011.** - **19 M. VIKRAMAN NAIR, VINOD BHAVAN, T.C. 16/398(2), EDAPPAZHAJI,THYCAUD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695013.** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 23 ## **Page 2 of WA.No. 208 of 2011** **20 K. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR ASWATHY, NILOMEL, NEYYATTINKARA, PIN- 695121. 21 N. MAHAVAN, UDAYAVIHAR, T.C. 20/192(5), MELARANNOOR, KARAMANA P.O., PIN-695002. 22 G. MOHANAKUMAR NAIR, KRISHNA KRIPA, T.C. 41/764(3), KURIYATHI MANACAUD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695009. BY ADV. SRI.P.NANDAKUMAR** ## **OTHER PRESENT:** **SRI RAJU JOSEPH SENIOR SC KSEB SRI K T POULOSE,** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 25.10.2018, ALONG WITH WA.37/2011, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY PASSED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 24 ## **JUDGMENT** **[ WA 37/2011 ,WA.1144/2011 ,WA.1124/2011, WA.873/2011 ,WA.826/2011 ,WA.807/2011, WA.805/2011 ,WA.798/2011 ,WA.793/2011 ,WA.791/2011 ,WA.208/2011]** ## **VINOD CHANDRAN, J** **Reference has been made to the Full Bench, by the Division Bench finding a conflict of opinion between two Division Bench decisions of this Court in** _**Dasan v. State of Kerala [ 2014(4) KHC 747]**_ **and** _**Kerala State Electricity Board v. P.N Raghukumar and others 2011(4) KHC 900 DB**_ **.** **2. On the background facts, so much has to be noticed. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB, hereinafter) came out with a pay revision order as per B.O.(FB)No.2748/2008 (PS1/1428/2007) dated 11.11.2008. There were a batch of writ petitions filed challenging the Pay Revision Order dated 11.11.2008 to the extent it allegedly, discriminated between persons who** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 25 **retired prior to 01.09.2007 and after that. Though enhancement of pension was made common to all concerned there was a differentiation insofar as the limit prescribed for DCRG. The persons who retired prior to 01.09.2007 were entitled to DCRG with a limit of Rs.2,80,000/- where as persons who retired after 01.09.2007 would be entitled to a maximum of Rs.3,30,000/-. There was also discrimination alleged insofar as the commutation of pension; the permissible limit being 1/3[rd] of the basic pension prior to 01.09.2007 and 40% after that date. A learned Single Judge of this Court allowed the writ petitions finding discrimination relying on the decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in** _**D.S Nakara v. Union of India (AIR 1983 SC 130)**_ **. The learned Single Judge found that the prescription of a cut off date violated the law declared by the Supreme Court.** **3. The judgment of the learned Single Judge was challenged before a Division Bench. The Division Bench in** _**P.N.Raghukumar (supra)**_ **found that** _**D.S Nakara**_ **(supra) has been watered down by subsequent** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 26 **Constitution Bench decisions of the Supreme Court and allowed the appeal. It was held that the KSEB had placed enough material to prove the financial constraints, economic conditions, and other administrative and attendant circumstances to justify the classification and there was nothing arbitrary, illegal or discriminatory. While the appeal was pending before the Division Bench, the other writ petitions pending before the learned Single Judge were disposed of following the earlier decision of the Single Bench. Those matters were brought up in appeal in the above batch of cases.** **4. When the later appeals were placed before the Division Bench the Division Bench found an apparent conflict in the decisions in** _**P.N Rakhukumar**_ **and** _**Dasan(supra)**_ **and referred the matter. The Division Bench found that in** _**Dasan (supra)**_ **two learned Judges have held that a classification should satisfy the twin test of (i) being founded on an intelligible differentia and (ii) the same having a reasonable nexus to the object behind the legislation. The twin test was** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 27 **held to be satisfied only if the State establishes the intelligible differentia and co-relates it to the object sought to be achieved. Therein also, reliance placed was on the dictum of** _**D.S Nakara**_ **(supra) to strike down the classification by prescription of a cut off date. The learned counsel for the respondents also contented that the decisions cited by the KSEB to put forth the argument of dilution of the principle in** _**D.S Nakara**_ **(supra) were all by Benches of lesser denomination. It was on such aspects a reference was made for consideration before a Full Bench; to resolve the conflict in judicial opinion between the two Division Benches of this Court.** **5. When the matter was taken up for hearing the learned Senior Counsel Sri Raju Joseph appearing for the KSEB submitted before us that now the question of discrimination on the limit prescribed for DCRG no longer survives since, the same has been made uniform to all. The said fact has also been noticed by the Division Bench in** _**P.N. Raghukumar**_ **(supra) in Paragraph 6.** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 28 **6. The issue now arises only with respect to the commutation of pension. The learned Senior Counsel also points out that with respect to commutation of pension, even** _**D.S Nakara**_ **(supra) held so in paragraph 61, relevant portion of which is extracted below:-** **"...The two features which make the liberalised pension scheme more attractive is the redefining of average emoluments in Rule 34, and introduction of slab system simultaneously raising the ceiling. Within these parameters, the pension will have to be recomputed with effect from the date from which the liberalised pension scheme came into force i. e. March 31, 1979. There is no question of fresh commutation of pension of the pensioners who retired prior to 31st March, 1979 and have already availed of the benefit of commutation. It is not open to them to get that benefit at this late date because commutation has to be availed of within specified time limit from the date of actual retirement. May be some marginal retirees may earn the benefit. That is inevitable..."** **7. We also notice that the commuted portion, for majority of the persons who retired prior to the cut off date would have been now restored. Even as per the** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 29 **pay revision order dt.11.11.2008, 12 years after the date of commutation; the commuted portion would be restored in the pension. The dispute has been raised by persons who have retired between 1.7.2003 to 31.8.2007; most of whom would have now got restoration of the commuted portion. Even the last who retired on 31.08.2007 would have less than one year for restoration of the commuted portion. They also have been enjoying the benefit of the in increased/enhanced portion of pension, on which no commutation was granted. In such circumstances, we are of the opinion that the question as to whether** _**D.S Nakara (supra)**_ **has been watered down or not; does not arise in these batch of cases.** _**D.S Nakara (supra)**_ **itself holds categorically as to there being no scope for reopening of commutation, after that has been already availed off. In such circumstances we find no necessity in this case, to answer the question raised.** **8. But, even then, in the context of the binding declaration found in D** _**.S Nakara**_ **itself we allow the writ appeals to the extend of holding that there can be** W.A No.37/2011 and con. Cases 30 **no discrimination found on the cut off date provided** **for the purpose of commutation of pension. We do this to avoid a futile exercise of sending back the batch of cases to the Division Bench.** **Ordered accordingly. Parties to suffer their** **respective costs.** **Sd/-** **K.Vinod Chandran, Judge** **Sd/-** **A. Muhamed Mustaque Judge** **Sd/-** **jma** **Ashok Menon Judge**