Temporary placement without a formal officiating appointment does not confer entitlement to higher-grade pay.

The applicant, a retired Sorting Assistant, claimed that he had officiated in the Higher Selection Grade-I (HSG-I) post from 13 February 2006 to 28 April 2007 and sought re-fixation of pay and consequential pensionary benefits.

After an earlier application resulted in a direction to consider his representation, the respondents rejected his claim by order dated 6 March 2018.

The applicant challenged that rejection before the Tribunal.

Whether the applicant was promoted or appointed to officiate in HSG-I between 13 February 2006 and 28 April 2007, thereby entitling him to the HSG-I pay scale

Whether the applicant was entitled, on that basis, to re-fixation of pay and consequential revision of pension and other retirement benefits

The Tribunal applied the principle that a temporary placement, without a specific order of promotion or officiating appointment by the competent authority, does not establish appointment to the higher post or entitlement to its pay scale.

It also considered the applicant’s pension entitlement by reference to the post held at retirement under the applicable Sixth Central Pay Commission provisions.

The Tribunal found the applicant’s cited decisions, OA No. 1293/2011 and OA No. 55/2015, distinguishable on their facts.

The record did not establish that the applicant had been appointed or promoted to officiate in HSG-I by a specific order; it showed only a temporary placement based on seniority within the unit.

The applicant was formally promoted as LSG Supervisor with effect from 28 April 2007 and retired in that post.

In the absence of a valid HSG-I appointment, the Tribunal held that he could not claim HSG-I pay or consequential revision of his pensionary benefits.

It found no reason to interfere with the order dated 6 March 2018 and dismissed the OA as devoid of merit, with no order as to costs.