Prem Lata and Others vs B.B.M.B. and Another

Kurian Joseph, C.J.—Issue raised in these writ petitions pertains to the claim made on behalf of the employees for their wages in the re-designated posts of Pump Operators. That issue, in principle, has been decided by this Court and the same has attained finality, the matter having been finally decided by the Apex Court, as per Annexure P-8. The main defence of the Respondents is that the employees, referred to in these writ petitions, were also representationists at the relevant time and they having not pursued their grievance before this Court at the relevant time, their grievance cannot be redressed at this belated stage. We are afraid that the contention cannot be appreciated. As a model employer, the Respondents should have otherwise avoided these writ petitions Before this Court since, in principle, in the case of the colleagues, the Respondents having taken action in the light of the direction issued by this Court. Therefore, these writ petitions are disposed of directing the Respondents to extend the same treatment in the case of the employees/Petitioners in CWP No. 237 of 2003 to the Petitioners herein also. The benefit, as above, shall be worked out within a period of three months from today and duly disbursed on or before 30th July, 2011, failing which the benefit shall carry interest @ 10% per annum from the date of accrual and the officer responsible for the delay shall be personally liable for the same.

The writ petition is disposed of, so also the pending applications, if any. Copy dasti.