Guranditta Singh vs Punjab State Power Corporation Limited And Others

As per pleadings on record, petitioner joined the respondent Punjab State Power Corporation Limited as a Meter Reader on 03.02.1988. It is the case of the petitioner that as per relevant circular on the subject of Assured Career Progression, he was entitled to 9 year promotional scale as also 16 year promotional scale. The financial benefits towards 9 year promotional scale were released to the petitioner as per due date. The 16 year promotional scale is stated to have become due to the petitioner on completion of 16 years of service i.e. on 03.02.2004. However, the actual financial benefit was released to him in the year 2017.

It is the categoric contention raised by counsel that there was no impediment in law for not having released to the petitioner the 16 year promotional scale in the year 2004.

Prayer in the instant writ petition is for grant of interest for the delayed release of promotional scale which otherwise was due in 2004 but actually granted in the year 2017.

In view of the limited prayer made in the petition and without even opining on the merits of the case, I deem it appropriate to dispose of the instant writ petition in terms of granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the competent authority under the respondent Corporation as regards his claim. In the eventuality of any such petition/representation being preferred, the concerned authority would be obligated to look into the matter and to take a final decision thereupon within a period of two months from the date of submission.

It is, however, made clear that in case the petitioner is held entitled to interest, it would be open for the respondent authorities to restrict such benefit to a period of 38 months prior to the date of filing of the instant writ petition.

Disposed of.