Confederation Of All India Central Government Stenographers Association & Ors. vs Union Of India & Anr.

Per: Justice Sunil Thomas, Judicial Member

The applicant is an Association representing the interests of Stenographers working in the Central Government and in Non-Secretariat Service of the Central Government. They claimed parity at par with their counterparts of Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS) with effect from 01.01.2006. Since no action was taken thereon, they approached this Tribunal by filing Original Application No. 180/00512/2016. The O.A was dismissed on a premise that the role of the Tribunal is limited in such matters.

The order was challenged in OP (CAT) No. 45/2021 before the Hon'ble High Court. The Hon'ble High Court, by Annexure A2 judgment, held that having regard to the nature of the work and the value attached to such work of equal post, is a factor that may demand equal pay for equal work. However, the quantity, quality, onerous duties and responsibilities are all relevant factors to hold for parity or to deviate from parity. The Court will not be justified in entering into such domain which it has no expertise. However, the Hon'ble High Court, having regard to the historical parity that existed, directed the 1^st respondent to constitute a Committee to undertake a study as to the claim for parity with the Stenographers who were working in the Central Secretariat.

Accordingly, a Committee was constituted, evidenced by Annexure A3 dated 30.09.2024. In the meanwhile, the Association representing the applicants had approached the Hon'ble High Court alleging contempt for non compliance of the order in OP (CAT) No. 45/2021 dated 22.03.2024. Taking note of Annexure A3, the contempt was closed by Annexure A4 order dated 20.05.2025.

Thereafter, the applicants sought information under the RTI Act as to the action thereon. It emerged that no action was taken. Accordingly, the applicants have approached this Tribunal seeking a direction to the 1^st respondent to issue required orders or Office Memorandum based on the report of the Committee formed under the direction of the Hon'ble High Court and the remarks provided by the 2^nd respondent, within a time frame.

We find that several opportunities were granted to the respondents to file the reply statement. Ultimately, by our order dated 29.01.2026, time was granted as last chance for filing the reply statement. Since reply statement was not filed even thereafter, by our order dated 01.04.2026, we granted 10 days' time for filing the reply statement, failing which, the 1^st respondent will be directed to appear in person and answer the allegations in the Original Application. On 01.06.2026, it was found that reply statement was not filed. Accordingly, the appearance of the 1^st respondent was ordered. On 11.06.2026, it was found that neither the reply statement filed nor the 1^st respondent appeared before the Tribunal. Though the learned SPC sought time for filing the reply statement, it was rejected and the 1 ^st respondent was set ex-parte. It was also noted that the 2^nd respondent was a formal party.

Even today, the reply statement has not been filed and the learned SPC is also not present. Having heard the learned Counsel for the applicants, we find that the limited relief sought is to direct the 1^st respondent to issue the required orders or Office Memorandum on the report submitted by the Committee having regard to the remarks provided by the 2^nd respondent within a time frame. It is ultimately within the domain of the Government to take appropriate decision on the report submitted by the Committee.

Having heard the learned Counsel for the applicants and perused the records, we are inclined to direct the 1^st respondent to take appropriate decision on the report submitted by the Committee, constituted pursuant to the direction of the Hon'ble High Court in OP (CAT) No. 45/2021 and to pass appropriate orders thereon. The decision shall be taken and orders issued as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of five months' from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

The O.A is disposed of as above. No costs.