Facts
The applicants in five original applications (O.A. No. 61/244/2024, 61/245/2024, 61/246/2024, 61/247/2024, and 61/248/2024) sought the release of their pending salaries/wages for work performed under the CAMPA Scheme from 2012 till December 2014.
Source reference: p.11-12These applicants were associated with various Forest Divisions across Jammu & Kashmir, including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Ramban, Udhampur, and Ramnagar.
Source reference: p.11-12The Chief Conservator of Forest, Jammu had previously communicated on February 27, 2012, for the allotment of funds amounting to Rs. 1,80,00,000/- for the applicants' wages (communication No. CCF/J/NG/Esst/1353).
Source reference: p.12Further, on October 16, 2014, the Chief Conservator of Forest had also written to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, J&K Srinagar (communication No. CCF/2612-14) requesting fund allotment for pending wages under the CAMPA Scheme.
Source reference: p.12Issues
Whether the respondents should be directed to release the pending salaries/wages of the petitioners for work done under the CAMPA Scheme from 2012 till December 2014.
Source reference: p.11-12Law Applied
The court based its decision on the administrative responsibility of the respondents to release due and admissible wages to employees for services rendered.
Source reference: no citationThe existence of internal communications from the Chief Conservator of Forest requesting the allotment of funds for these wages indicated an acknowledged liability and administrative mechanism for payment.
Source reference: p.12Reasoning
The court heard both parties.
Source reference: p.12It noted that the Chief Conservator of Forest Jammu had already written a letter for fund allocation of Rs. 1,80,00,000/- on February 27, 2012, specifically for the applicants' wages (CCF/J/NG/Esst/1353).
Source reference: p.12Additionally, another communication from the Chief Conservator of Forest dated October 16, 2014 (CCF/2612-14) to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, J&K Srinagar, reiterated the need for fund allotment and payment of pending wages under the CAMPA Scheme.
Source reference: p.12These communications demonstrate that the claim for wages was acknowledged internally by the Forest Department, establishing a basis for the payment of the due amounts.
Source reference: no citationHolding
The court deemed it appropriate to dispose of all Original Applications by directing the concerned Range Officers of various Divisions (Banihal-Gool, Ramban, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu) to examine the petitioners' cases for the release of their due and admissible pending wages.
This process is to be completed within eight weeks from the date of receipt of the certified copy of this order.
Source reference: p.13Original Court PDF
Rinku Kumar & Ors. v. U.T. of J&K & Ors. [O.A. No. 61/244,245,246,247&248/2024]
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