W.A. Nos. 209 & 210 of 2022 (arising out of WP(C) Nos. 17061/2021 and 16755/2021)

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS** ## **&** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN** **MONDAY, THE 31[ST] DAY OF JULY 2023 / 9TH SRAVANA, 1945** ## **WA NO. 209 OF 2022** **AGAINST THE JUDGMENT IN WP(C) 17061/2021 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA** ## **APPELLANTS/RESPONDENTS:** - **1 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL/CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE,CISF HEAD QUARTERS, CGO COMPLEX, LODHI ROAD, NEW DELHI, PIN-110003.** - **2 THE INSPECTOR GENERAL (SOUTH SECTOR), CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE, CHPT CAMPUS, CHENNAI, PIN600009.** - **3 THE DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL (SOUTH ZONE),CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE, BESANT NAGAR, CHENNAI, PIN600009.** - **4 THE GROUP COMMANDANT, CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE, CISF GROUP HEAD QUARTERS COCHIN, KENDRIYA BHAVAN, KAKKANAD, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN-683037.** - **5 THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT/CISF, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND P.O., COCHIN, KERALA, PIN682003.** - **6 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, NEW DELHI, PIN-110003.** - **BY ADV MANU S., DSG OF INDIA SRI.K.S.PRENJITH KUMAR, CGC** ## **RESPONDENT/WRIT PETITIONER:** **P.RAJU PILLAI, AGED 51 YEARS, CISF NO.894430075, ASSISTANT SUB INSPECTOR/EXE, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, PRESENTLY RESIDING AT C2-346 RNAS AREA, WELLINGTON ISLAND, COCHIN, KERALA, PIN-682003** **BY ADV T.SANJAY(B/O)** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON** **31.07.2023, ALONG WITH WA.210/2022, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 2 :- ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** ## **THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ALEXANDER THOMAS** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN** **MONDAY, THE 31[ST] DAY OF JULY 2023 / 9TH SRAVANA, 1945** ## **WA NO. 210 OF 2022** **AGAINST THE JUDGMENT IN WP(C) 16755/2021 OF HIGH COURT OF** ## **KERALA** ## **APPELLANTS/RESPONDENTS:** - **1 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL/CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE,CISF HEAD QUARTERS, CGO COMPLEX, LODHI ROAD, NEW DELHI , PIN - 110 003.** - **2 THE INSPECTOR GENERAL (SOUTH SECTOR),CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE, CHPT CAMPUS, CHENNAI, PIN -600 009.** - **3 THE DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL (SOUTH ZONE),CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE, BESANT NAGAR, CHENNAI, PIN - 600 009.** - **4 THE GROUP COMMANDANT,CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE, CISF GROUP HEAD QUARTERS COCHIN, KENDRIYA BHAVAN, KAKKANAD, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 683 037.** - **5 THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT/CISF,CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND P.O., COCHIN, KERALA, PIN -682 003.** - **6 UNION OF INDIA,REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110 003.** - **BY ADV S.MANU** - **SRI.K.S.PRENJITH KUMAR, CGC** ## **RESPONDENTS/WRIT PETITIONERS:** - **1 V.K.RAMACHANDRAN NAIR, CISF NO.894350034, SUB INSPECTOR/EXE, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, PRESENTLY RESIDING AT DLB QUARTERS NO.D-III/10, WELLINGTON ISLAND, COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 3 :- - **2 HARITHA T., CISF NO.107131218 L.SI/EXE, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, D-III/12 DLB COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND, COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **3 S.S. DEORE, CISF NO.913511457 CONST/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, CISF COMPLEX C-II/313, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **4 JAYAKRISHNAN R., CISF NO.092790108, CISF NO.CONSTABLE/GD, RNAS QUARTERS E-II/229, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **5 AJITH C., CISF NO.107130088, SI/EXE, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/388, CIST COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **6 KRISHNADAS VAKUTH, CISF NO.862110064, ASI/EXE, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/317, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **7 P. RADHA, CISF NO.874610558, L.ASI/EXE, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/384, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **8 K.K. VARKEY, CISF NO.844470573, ASI/EXE, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/383, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **9 SUNNY VARGHESE, CISF NO.901407179, HC/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/ 320, CISF COMPLEX,WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** **10 K. HARI KUMAR, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST,CISF NO.895022004, HC/GD, C-II/318, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **11 BHAGHYA RAJ, CISF NO.931403772, HC/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II, 374, CISF COMPLEX,WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **12 TARKESHWAR RAI, CISF NO.934652953, HC/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/379, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 4 :- - **13 PRAMEELA K.C., CISF NO.902290822, L.HC/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/315, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **14 PADMA KUMAR P., CISF NO.922292323, HC/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/322, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **15 PIYALI MANNA, CISF NO.140413146, L.HC/CLK, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/386, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **16 D.K. PATELIA, CISF NO.962290695, HC/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, C-II/370, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **17 S. YUVARAJ, CISF NO.012060166,HC/GD, C-II/366,CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **18 V.P.RAJAN, CISF NO.004340331, HC GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 371, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **19 H.K. RAMESHA, CISF NO.891401726, HC GD CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 368, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **20 SUTAR ANSAR ABDUL, CISF NO.962291755, HC GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 362, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **21 MATHEW OOMMEN, CISF NO.864502870, HC GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST QRT NO.C II 385, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **22 PRABHU SHANKAR HS, CISF NO.012050248, HC GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST QRT NO.C II 372, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 5 :- - **23 BABU PAUL T., CISF NO.89233512, HC GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST QRT NO.C II 375, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **24 C.M. PAUL,CISF NO.923140018, HC GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 314, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **25 NEYAGAPULA RAJU, CISF NO.101510158, CONST/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST QRT NO.C II 389, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **26 SHIBU R., CISF NO.091950420, CONST/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C-II/323, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **27 GURUMURTHY RAO D., CISF NO.094270529, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C-11/373, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **28 RAVI SANDI, CISF NO.102090040, CONST/GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C-II/380, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **29 PARASHURAM H., CISF NO.094380057, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C-II/324, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **30 LATHEESH T., CISF NO.107250300, CTGD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 360, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **31 T. SOBIN RAJ, CISF NO.081520044, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 319, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 6 :- - **32 VIJITH C., CISF NO.091680567, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 378, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **33 SYAM BABU GUPTA, CISF NO.180700589, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 381, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **34 NAROTTAM, CISF NO.170621928, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 364, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **35 LAGAMMANNA R., CISF NO.094500022, RANK CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 377, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **36 SANDEEP KUMAR, CISF NO.170830401, CT GD CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C II 321, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **37 SANTHOSH P.A., CISF NO.024380337, HC GD CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST QRT NO.C I 430, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **38 MADDI KUMAR, CISF NO.092210134, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 421, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **39 Y.N. BUSHANAM, CISF NO.101510051, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 427, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **40 NOBIN VARGHESE, CISF NO.104471504, CT GD CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 419, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 7 :- - **41 VIBINDEV V.R., CISF NO.091950253, RANK CT GD CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 419, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **42 DEMUDU BABU S., CISF NO.101780137, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 425, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **43 SAGAR NAIK, CISF NO.094380905, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 418, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **44 SHILPESH M. SAIL, CISF NO.09571109, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 423, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **45 VISHNULAL K.A., CISF NO.107250346, CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 433, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **46 C H VENKITESHWARRLU, CISF NO.094640241, RANK CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 431, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **47 SREERAMAMURTHY G., CISF NO.071025735, RANK CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 420, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **48 VIPIN MURALI, CISF NO.091750042, RANK CT GD, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, QRT NO.C I 429, CISF COMPLEX, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** - **49 A.N. SALIM, CISF NO.892299997, HC/GD, E-II/99, RNAS CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA, PIN - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 8 :- - **50 SUPRIYA NAYAK, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, CISF NO.944521607, HC/GD, E-II/260, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **51 BABU D., CISF NO.894390120, HC/GD, E-II/214, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **52 H.K. DHRUW, CISF NO.94229573, HC/GD, E-II/252, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **53 JOSE T.F.,CISF NO.024370075, HC/GD, E-II/228, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST,WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **54 G. SIVA PRASAD,CISF NO.894652987, HC/GD, C-II/284, RNAS CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **55 APPALA SATYAM S., CISF NO.101780049, CT/GD, E-II/210, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **56 NIKESH CHANDRAN M.V., CISF NO.06731989, CT/GD, C-II/332, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **57 NIRANJAN MAHAJAN, CISF NO.130814124, CT/GD, E-II/209, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **58 S. PRADEEP, CISF NO.974470595, HC/GAD, D-I/360, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **59 A. ANANDAN, CISF NO.014770027, HC/GD, E-I/337, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **60 SRINIVASU TANI, CISF NO.004500368, HC/GD, E-I/344, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 9 :- - **61 NISHANTH A., CISF NO.024820066, HC/GD, D-I/411, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **62 MANESH KRISHNAN, CISF NO.077281157, CT/GD, E-I/412, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **63 SREE KUMAR J.S., CISF NO.091750149, CT/GD, E-1/404, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **64 MICHAEL A.C., CISF NO.091680798, CT/GD, E-I/406, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **65 SRINIVAS DUMMANI, CISF NO.061737248, CT/GD, E-I/338, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **66 NISHANTH P., CISF NO.104473122, CT/GD, E-I/354, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **67 S.B. NAIR,CISF NO.101500391, CT/GD, E-I/326, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **68 SUJITH S., CISF NO.101340771, CT/GD, E-I/343, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **69 M. JOTHIENDRAN, CISF NO.095271330, CT/GD, E-I/385, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **70 SANDEEP S.,CISF NO.091680451, CT/GD, E-I/353, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **71 RAJALINGAN G., CISF NO.091950378, CT/GD, E-I/383, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 ## -: 10 :- - **72 RAMESH CHOUGLE, CISF NO.094500332, CT/GD, E-I/377, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **73 BALASUBRAMANIAN, CISF NO.091950323, CT/GD, E-I/416, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **74 SEKHAR K., CISF NO.104700202, CT/GD, E-I/375, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **75 UNNIKUTTAN C., CISF NO.102850318, CT/GD, E-I/400, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **76 UDAY KIRAN V., CISF NO.101780085, CT/GD, E-I/408, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **77 NIKHIL RAJ M., CISF NO.101500753, CT/GD, E-I/399, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **78 SREEKANTH P., CISF NO.107250559, CT/GD, E-I/398, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **79 SURESH SAVARA, CISF NO.09580222, CT/GD, E-I/414, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **80 ANURAG T.R. NAIR, CISF NO.104471513, CT/GD, E-I/363, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **81 ANOOP KUMAR G.V., CISF NO.104471489, CT/GD, E-I/394, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **82 T. JEGAN, CISF NO.091950314, CT/GD, E-I/388, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 11 :- - **83 YDEUKONDALU P., CISF NO.0621306780, CT/GD, E-I/324, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **84 SATENDRA SINGH GUJAR, CISF NO.104384776, CT/GD, E-I/336, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **85 MURALI SIVAKALA, CISF NO.101780021, CT/GD, E-I/409, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **86 A. SRINIVAS, CISF NO.092550218, CT/GD, E-I/329, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **87 SAHEER S., CISF NO.101500708, CT/GD, E-I/322, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **88 NIDHEESH A.P., CISF NO.095270128, CT/GD, E-I/384, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **89 PATIL ATUL RAMESH, CISF NO.120516302, CT/GD, E-I/417, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **90 S.N. MISRA, CISF NO.170803090, CT/GD, E-I/368, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **91 RAJESH R.S., CISF NO.104610909, CT/GD, E-I/36, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **92 BIPINI SWAIN, CISF NO.120611005, CT/GD, E-I/362, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **93 G. NEELAKANDAN, CISF NO.944130061, CT/WC, E-I/358, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** W.A.Nos. 209 & 210 OF 2022 -: 12 :- - **94 SHIVALEELA N.M., CISF NO.113600010, L/CT/GD, E-I/382, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **95 M. BALA MURUGAN, CISF NO.994340609, HC/GD, E-I/382, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **96 R. RAMESHAN, CISF NO.834400070, HC/GD, E-II/11, 12TH CROSS , CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **97 SAVARKAR RAJESH CHANDU, CISF NO.081810026, CT/GD, E-I/393, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **98 RAKTIM MONDAL, CISF NO.140410769, HC/CLK, C-II/386, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **99 BARUNMOY DAS, CISF NO.130816581, CT/GD, E-II/245, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **100 SOSAMMA THOMAS, CISF NO.902290150, LHC/GD, E-II/244, RNAS, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **101 SREEJA C., CISF NO.994500043, HC/GD, C-II/322, CISF COMPLEX, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **102 KICHILU R. MONEY, CISF NO.014330111, ASI/EXE, E-II/325, CISF COMPLEX, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN, KERALA - 682 003.** - **103 G.S. VARMA,** - **CISF NO.933513091, HC/GD, C-II/369, CISF COMPLEX, CISF UNIT COCHIN PORT TRUST, WELLINGTON ISLAND COCHIN,KERALA - 682 003.** **BY ADV T.SANJAY(B/O)** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 31.07.2023, ALONG WITH WA.209/2022, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** ## **ALEXANDER THOMAS & C. JAYACHANDRAN, JJ.** ## **--------------------------------------------------------------------------** ## W.A. No. 209 of 2022 _[arising out of judgment dated 29.09.2021 in WP(C) No.17061/2021 ] &_ ## W.A. No. 210 of 2022 _[arising out of judgment dated 29.09.2021 in WP(C) No.16755/2021 ]_ **---------------------------------------------------------------------** Dated this the 31st day of July, 2023 ## **J U D G M E N T** ## **C.Jayachandran,J.** The respondents in W.P(C) No.17061/21 and W.P(C) No.16755/21 are the appellants respectively in the afore-captioned writ appeals. Both these writ petitions were disposed of by the learned Single Judge as per judgment dated 29.09.2021, which allowed the writ petitions. The said judgment is under challenge in these appeals. The issue which was agitated before the Tribunal pertains to non grant of Transport Allowance to the petitioners, who are the CISF personnel posted at CISF Unit, Cochin Port Trust. There are as many as 103 petitioners in WP.(C)No.16755/21 and a single petitioner in W.P.(C)No.17061/21. Transport Allowance was denied on the premise that the petitioners W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 2 :- were provided with Government transport facility to commute from the assembly point (quarter guard) to the place of duty and _viseversa._ Whereas, the same was claimed by the petitioners in the writ petitions, on the premise that they have to commute from their place of residence to the Unit Armory, from where only they are provided armed transport to vantage points. Similarly, after the duty hours, they are only taken back upto the Unit Armory, from where they have to proceed to their place of residence in their private vehicle. The petitioners also contended that, stipulation in Ext.P1 Office Memorandum dated 03.10.1997, which restricted Transport Allowance to those employees who are provided with Government accommodation within a distance of 1 km or within campus housing the place of work and residence, was done away with by Ext.P2 Office Memorandum dated 29.08.2008 issued pursuant to the 6[th] Central Pay Commission recommendation. Therefore, irrespective of the distance between the place of residence and irrespective of the fact whether an accommodation has been provided in a campus housing the place of work and ## W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 3 :- residence, the employees are entitled to Transport Allowance, was the claim espoused. The Tribunal, by virtue of the impugned judgment, found that the Government transport facility is provided to the petitioners only to cover a part of their journey, for reason of which, they cannot be deprived Transport Allowance. It was found that the petitioners cannot be expected to expend from their pocket for commuting from their place of residence to the assembly point and _vise-versa_ . Accordingly, the writ petitions were allowed directing the respondents to grant Transport Allowance to the petitioners and to disburse the arrears in this regard within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of the judgment. **2.** Heard Sri. K.S.Prenjith, learned Central Government Counsel on behalf of the appellants and Sri. T. Sanjay, learned Counsel for the respondents. Perused the records. **3.** The learned Central Government Counsel appearing for the appellants contended that, as per Clause 2 (ii) of Ext.P2 OM, Transport Allowance is not available to those Officers, who have W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 4 :- been provided with Government transport facility, which is admittedly provided to the petitioners in the writ petition. Secondly, it was contended that, the distance from their place of residence up to the assembly point - from where transport facility is provided upto the place of duty and _vice-versa_ – is only less than 300 meters, for which reason, it cannot be contended that the petitioners are not provided with Government transport facility. In this regard, the learned Counsel placed heavy reliance upon the judgment dated 24.01.2011, of the High Court of Delhi in **Rajeev Kumar v. Union of India** (W.P.(C)No.10331/2009). **4.** Per contra, the learned counsel for the respondents herein (writ petitioners), primarily focused on the hostile discrimination meted out to the writ petitioners in the matter of grant of Transport Allowance. In the counter affidavit filed by the writ petitioners in these appeals, as many as 11 CISF Units in Kerala are made mention of, where the CISF personnel are all granted Transport Allowances, whereas, in the CISF Unit at Cochin Port Trust alone - where the writ petitioners are working - the facility is not granted. It was W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 5 :- submitted that, Government transport facility is partially made available in these 11 units as well, leaving to the CISF personnel to commute by their own means from their residence upto the assembly point. This discrimination, according to the writ petitioners, invites the wrath of Article 14 and more particularly, Article 16 of the Constitution of India. Secondly, the learned Counsel focused on the withdrawal of Clause 3 (ii) of Ext.P1 Office Memorandum, thereby doing away with the stipulation as regards the distance between the place of work and the place where accommodation is provided. By virtue of Clause 2(iii) to Ext.P2, the above Clause, as contained in Ext.P1, was specifically withdrawn, wherefore, the argument is that the CISF personnel are entitled to Transport Allowance irrespective of the distance component, as between the place of work and the place of accommodation. In other words, if a Government transport facility is not provided from the very place of residence upto the place of work and _vice-versa_ , Transport Allowance is liable to be given. The learned Counsel also pointed out the various duties, in addition to their main duty, which ## W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 6 :- the writ petitioners are duty bound to undertake, the details of which are as follows: |are as|follows:|| |---|---|---| |_SL_<br>_No_|_Nature of regimental duties_|_Frequency of attendance_| |_1_|_Morning Physical Training_|_Daily for all personnel_<br>_except “A” shift personnel._| |_2_|_Morning parade_|_Weekly twice. All personnel_<br>_except “A” shift personnel._| |_3_|_Evening Games/Parade_|_Daily for A and C shift_<br>_personnel._| |_4_|_Evening Roll Call_|_Daily for all personnel_<br>_except 'B' shift personnel._| |_5_|_Arms Cleaning_|_Weekly once for all except_<br>_thosepersonnel on duty._| |_6_|_Sainik Sammelan_|_Monthly once for all except_<br>_thosepersonnel on duty._| |_7_|_Mock Drill_|_Monthly twice for all_<br>_except those personnel on_<br>_duty._| |_8_|_Shift briefing (For sub officers)_|_One Sub Officer is deployed_<br>_daily twice on rotation._| |_9_|_Annual Medical Examination_|_Yearly oncefor all_| |_10_|_Other parades during special_<br>_occasions_|_All except on duty personnel._| On that basis, the argument advanced is that the writ petitioners are entitled to Transport Allowance for reason of the above duties being allotted to them, over and addition to the regular duty attached to CISF Unit, Cochin Port Trust. This argument was espoused on the W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 7 :- premise that CISF personnel are always considered to be on duty, round the clock. **5.** Having heard the learned counsel appearing for both sides, we are of the opinion that, the matter requires re-evaluation at the hands of the high authorities of the executive cadre at the first instance, before attempting to judicially resolve the same. The core of the writ petitioners' argument is based on the concept of hostile discrimination, insofar as the CISF personnel employed in its Unit at Cochin Port Trust is concerned. The specific allegation is that the staff of all CISF Units, which are operating in Kerala, except the one at Cochin Port Trust, is being offered with the facility of Transport Allowance and the personnel deployed at the CISF Units attached to Cochin Port Trust alone are deprived of the facility. We will first notice the grounds 'F' & 'V' canvassed in this regard, in the subject writ petition, which are extracted here below.: _F. Ext.P4 order denying the benefit of Transport Allowance from the salary of the petitioners, when the same benefit is extended to other units of CISF is illegal arbitrary, discriminatory and unjust._ _xxx xxx xxx_ W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 8 :- _V. The petitioners and others personnel posted at CISF Unit CPT Cochin are being discriminated by non-payment of Transport Allowance while their counterparts posted in other CISF Units in Kerala who are similarly situated are being paid the Transport Allowance._ _xxx xxx xxx_ **6.** In elaboration of this ground, the writ petitioners have filed a counter affidavit dated 26.06.2023 in these appeals, wherein the details of the 11 CISF Units operating in Kerala are seen narrated. Paragraph nos.14, 15, & 16 are extracted here below: “ _14. It is submitted that following CISF Units in Kerala are giving Transport Allowance to their personnel who are using Govt Vehicle to commute between briefing point to duty posts but residing withing 1 Km and coming to briefing point by their own means._ _1. CISF Unit Cochin Ship Yard_ _2. CISF Unit UTL P&C Cochin_ _3. CISF Unit FACT UDL_ _4. CISF Unit Cochin International Airport_ _5. CISF Unit Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant, APEP Aluva._ _6. CISF Unit VSSC Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram_ _7. Unit LPSC Vallamala, Thiruvananthapuram_ _8. CISF IIST Vallamala, Thiruvananthapuram 9.CISF Unit Airport Security Group, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport_ _10. CISF Unit Calicut Airport._ _11. CISF Unit Kannur Airport._ _It is submitted that in all these Units barracks/residential complexes are situated within 400 meters of Common Briefing points. They are provided with Govt Transport for their Shift duty/armed movement from briefing point. However, as they are not using Govt Vehicle for their journey from the place of residence to place of briefing, they are getting Transport_ W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 9 :- _Allowance despite the short distance between quarters and briefing point._ _15. It is respectfully submitted that CRPF, ITBP, BSF are having following Institutions in Kerala. They are having their residential campuses._ _1. CRPF Group Centre Pallippuram,Thiruvananthapuram 2.CRPF Composite Hospital Pallippuram, Thiruvananthapuram_ _3.CRPF Recruits Training Centre Pallippuram, Thiruvananthapuram_ _4. BSF Sector Head Quarters Thiruvananthapuram_ _5. ITBP 27 Battalion Nooranad, Alappuzha_ _6.BSF 148 Battalion Trissur_ _7. CRPF Recruits Training Centre Peringom Kannur_ _It is respectfully submitted that all personnel of these CAPF's are provided with barracks and quarters within the campus. Quarter Guard which is the Armory is the Common Briefing points. All these Forces are being deployed for Internal Security/Law and Order duties. It is submitted that all these personnel are reaching from their respective barracks/residence which are within 200 meters and they move out to any duties in their own buses. 24 x 7 vehicle facilities i.e vehicles owned by these forces are available for any type of duties. However, since duty personnel are commuting from their respective place of residence to place of Quarter Guard (briefing point), all are getting Transport Allowance. Only Officers who are authorized with 24 x 7 special vehicles from their residence to any place are not drawing Transport Allowance._ _16. It is therefore submitted that the norm followed by all other CISF Units in Kerala (except CISF Unit CPT Cochin and CISF Unit BPCL Cochin) and all Central Armed Police Force personnel viz CRPF, BSF and ITBP is that since their personnel are commuting from their place of residence to the common briefing points by their own means, they are entitled for Transport Allowance irrespective of distance which is in fact within 500 meters in all these campuses. On the other hand, the appellants are now trying to re- introduce the conditions contained in Ext P-1 Office Memorandum regarding distance rule which are not maintainable. Transport Allowance is a part_ ## W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 10 :- _of salary introduced as a welfare measure. It is trite that a beneficial provision cannot be allowed to be whittled down and its benefits culled, especially if it pertains to uniformed soldiers.”_ **7.** The above contention is not specifically seen dealt with in the counter affidavit filed on behalf of the respondents 1 to 6 in the writ petition (appellants herein). We have specifically perused the counter affidavit dated 17.09.2021, (date being available only in the index) and another affidavit filed at the appellate stage dated 08.07.2023. In both these affidavits, the issue with respect to hostile discrimination between the 11 CISF units operating in Kerala, _vis-a-vis_ , the one where the writ petitioners are engaged is not seen addressed. We are, therefore, of the opinion that the matter requires to be addressed at the hands of a higher dignitary at the first instance, before judicial intervention, since, the cause espoused by the writ petitioners certainly deserve serious consideration, if the factual premises canvassed by them to urge hostile discrimination is true and correct. **8.** Another aspect, which requires consideration of the authority concerned is with respect to the ancillary and incidental duties W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 11 :- performed by the writ petitioners, which are narrated in a tabular column in paragraph no.4 of this judgment and which forms part of our interim order dated 12.06.2023. It is the writ petitioners' case is that, apart from the main duty attached to the Cochin Port Trust, for which alone transport facility is given, the petitioners have to perform other duties as narrated in the tabular statement referred above, for which purpose, the writ petitioners have to travel by their own means, expending money from their pocket. Inasmuch as, these duties are also very much part of the official duty liable to be performed by the writ petitioners, they are entitled to Transport Allowance, is the case espoused. In this regard the writ petitioners are relying on two judgments, namely, (1) _**Suresh Choudhary & Ors v.Union of India & Ors**_ of the Delhi High Court (W.P. (C)No.3132/2020 dated 12.10.2020), (2) _**Sri Diptimoy Sarkar v. Union of India & Ors**_ of High Court of Culcutta. (W.P. (C)No.25970 of 2010). **9.** We also notice that the respondents in the writ petitioner (appellants herein) are relying on another judgment of the Delhi W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 12 :- High Court in _**Rajeev Kumar v.Union of India**_ ( W.P. (C)No.10331/2008). **10.** Inasmuch as, we are relegating the matter for fresh consideration of the above referred aspects, we are not expressing any view on merits of the claims of the parties. **11.** Resultantly, we direct the Secretary to Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Government to consider the claim of the respondents herein (writ petitioners) for Transport Allowance, particularly in the backdrop of the specific allegation of hostile discrimination as between the personnel employed in the 11 CISF Units in Kerala, _vis-a-vis_ , the writ petitioners engaged at Cochin Port Trust. In order to enable the same, we permit the respondents herein (writ petitioners) to file a detailed representation before the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. We also grant liberty to the appellants herein (respondents in the writ petition), to place their objection, if any, to the same. The Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, shall consider such representation, after affording the W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 13 :- parties an opportunity of being heard, through their representative or counsel, as the case may be, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of the representation. In view of the above directions, the judgment impugned is hereby set aside. The writ appeals are disposed of as above. Sd/- ## **ALEXANDER THOMAS, JUDGE** Sd/- **C. JAYACHANDRAN, JUDGE** TR2023 ## W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 ## -: 14 :- ## **APPENDIX OF WA 210/2022** RESPONDENT ANNEXURES Annexure R1(a) A true copy of the order bearing No. 1259 dated 20-09-2010 issued by the IG/CISF Airport Sector New Delhi PETITIONER ANNEXURES Annexure A(1) True copy of the Office Memorandum No. 21/3/2020-E-II(B) dated 01.12.2020 issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India Annexure A(2) True copy of the judgment pronounced by the Honourable High Court of Delhi in WPC No. 10331 of 2009 ## W.A.Nos.209 & 210 of 2022 -: 15 :- ## **APPENDIX OF WA 209/2022** PETITIONER ANNEXURES Annexure A(2) True copy of the judgment pronounced by the Honourable High Court of Delhi in WPC No. 10331 of 2009 Annexure A(1) True copy of office memorandum No. 21/3/2020-E-II (B) dated 01.12.2020 issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India