Simplified Explanation of the Judgment

In a recent case, the Patna High Court dealt with the issue of salary revision for a university officer. The petitioner, a former Assistant Registrar at Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, approached the court after facing prolonged delays regarding the correction of his pay scale under the 6th Revised Pay Commission.

The petitioner claimed that despite filing multiple representations and even though similar cases had been decided by the University in favor of other employees, his own case remained unresolved. This lack of action by the University led him to file a writ petition in the High Court, seeking timely redressal.

The State Government, in its counter affidavit, accepted that the matter pertained to pay scale correction and reiterated that it was the University’s responsibility to verify the records and make a final decision. It was also mentioned that the 6th Pay Commission benefits had already been sanctioned for non-teaching staff, including officers of the University, via a notification dated 27.08.2010.

Taking note of the delay and the State’s position, the Hon’ble Court directed the Vice-Chancellor of the University to make a final decision within 60 days on whether the petitioner was entitled to the revised pay scale. If the claim was accepted, the University was also instructed to implement the revised salary and provide all consequential benefits within another 30 days.

This judgment emphasizes accountability and timely decision-making by administrative authorities, especially in service-related matters that affect the livelihood of individuals.

Significance of the Judgment

This judgment is important because it protects the rights of government and university employees from administrative inaction. It shows that employees can seek judicial remedy if their service benefits are delayed unjustly. For the common man, especially those employed in public universities or state-run institutions, this judgment provides a clear precedent on how to challenge prolonged bureaucratic delays.

It also reminds universities and government bodies that once the pay scales are notified, they must ensure fair and timely implementation for all eligible employees without discrimination.

Legal Issues Decided and Decision of the Court

• Legal Issue: Whether the petitioner’s pay revision under the 6th Pay Commission was being unjustly delayed.
• Decision:
  • The University must take a final decision on the petitioner’s entitlement within 60 days.
  • If found eligible, salary revision and consequential benefits must be provided within 30 additional days.

Case Title

Guljar Ram v. The State of Bihar & Others

Case Number

CWJC No. 1184 of 2017

Citation(s)

2020 (1) PLJR 3

Coram and Names of Judges

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil Kumar Upadhyay

Names of Advocates

• For the Petitioner: Mr. Harendra Kumar Tiwary
• For the Respondents: Mr. Kameshwar Kumar (GP17), Mr. S.K. Ranjan (AC to GP17)

Link to the Judgment

https://patnahighcourt.gov.in/viewjudgment/MyMxMTg0IzIwMTcjMSNO-86vHBXt0M48=