Entitlement to retrospective up-graded pay-scales on notional basis from January 1, 1996 for similarly situated central employees.

The sixty-five applicants, serving as Inspectors and Superintendents/Appraisers in the Department of Revenue, filed an application under Section 19 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.

They challenged Office Memorandum No. F. No. 6/37/98-IC dated 21.04.2004, which granted upgraded pay scales (Rs. 6500-10500 and Rs. 7500-12000) effective only from 21.04.2004 rather than 01.01.1996.

The applicants contended that this treatment was arbitrary and discriminatory and sought parity with the relief granted in a previous judgment of the same Tribunal dated 03.11.2025 in O.A. No. 2001 of 2024.

While their representations were pending with the respondent authorities, the applicants approached the Tribunal for a time-bound direction for consideration.

1. Whether the applicants are entitled to the benefit of upgraded pay scales on a notional basis from 01.01.1996 to parity with the judgment in O.A. No. 2001 of 2024?

2. Whether the respondent authorities are obligated to dispose of the applicants' pending representations in a reasoned and time-bound manner?

Section 19 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, which governs the filing of applications for Redressal of grievances.

Rule 4(5)(a) of the CAT (Procedure) Rules, 1987 regarding joint prosecution of a single application by multiple persons with a common interest.

The doctrine of parity in service jurisprudence, specifically relating to the extension of benefits granted to "similarly situated" employees under previous judicial orders, such as the judgment in O.A. No. 2001 of 2024.

The Tribunal noted that the applicants’ grievance centered on being denied the retrospective benefit of upgraded pay scales from 1996, despite such benefits being granted to others in previous litigation.

During arguments, the applicants limited their prayer to a direction for the respondents to consider their pending representations in light of the Tribunal's earlier decision dated 03.11.2025.

The Tribunal observed that since the matter involved a question of being "similarly situated" to previous successful litigants, the competent authority was the appropriate body to fact-check and apply the precedent.

The Tribunal did not adjudicate on the merits of the pay scale claim but focused on the procedural necessity of a reasoned administrative decision.

The authority must issue a reasoned and speaking order and extend the benefits within four months of receipt of the order, provided the applicants are found to be similarly situated to the petitioners in O.A. No. 2001 of 2024.