Disposed

M.L.George, v. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

Kerala HC2 Apr 2024OP (CAT)/79/2015

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

Retired BSNL employees challenged recovery from pension following refixation of pay after absorption from the Department of Telecom. The High Court held the recovery unsustainable under clause 2 of the Rafiq Masih guidelines as it was effected within one year before retirement and directed release of recovered amounts.

What did the court decide?

Recovered amounts to be released to petitioners within 2 months; pension and benefits to follow refixed pay.

M.L.George, Vs Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. — Pension and Retirement Benefits | Kerala HC (2024)

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

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PRESENT

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THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

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THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

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TUESDAY, THE 2ND DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 13TH CHAITHRA, 1946

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AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT DATED 17.09.2014 IN OA NO.800 OF

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2013 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH

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PETITIONER/S:

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1 M.L.GEORGE, AGED 61 YEARS AGED 61 YEARS, RETIRED TELECOM MACHANIC, O/O. SDE EXTERNAL, BSNL, NARAKKAL, MANGATT HOUSE, 13/409 A, KARTHEDAM CHURCH ROAD, MALIPURAM P.O.-682511.

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2 P.C. WILLIAMS SO. LATE P.E.CHEEKU, AGED 61 YEARS, RETIRED TELECOM MECHANIC, CSR EXCHANGE, BSNL, KOCHI, PUNNASSERY HOUSE, SREEKRISHNA TEMPLE ROAD, EDAYAKUNNAM, SOUTH CHITTOOR P.O., KOCHI- 682027.

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3 K.V.HARIDASAN SO. LATE K.K.VELAYUDHAN, AGED 61 YEARS, RETIRED TELECOM MECHANIC, O/O.AE EXTERNAL, BSNL, TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, VYTTILA, KALATHUMPURATHU HOUSE, AKG ROAD, THYKOODAM, VYTTILA P.O., KOCHI-682019. BY ADV R.SREERAJ

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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RESPONDENT/S:

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1 BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN CUM MANAGING DIRECTOR, SANCHAR BHAVAN, NEW DELHI- 110001.

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2 THE CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER TELECOM, BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD., KERALA CIRCLE, TRIVANDRUM-695001.

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3 THE PRINCIPAL GENERAL MANAGER TELECOM, BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD, ERNAKULAM SSA, ERNAKULAM682016.

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4 UNION OF INDIA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, NEW DELHI- 110001.

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5 THE ACCOUNTS OFFICER (ESTT), O/O. THE PRINCIPAL GENERAL MANAGER, BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD., ERNAKULAM- 682016.

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6 THE CONTROLLER OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS, DOOR SANCHAR BHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001. BY ADV SRI.T.SANJAY, SC, BSNL

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THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 4/3/2024,

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ALONG WITH OP (CAT).72/2016, THE COURT ON 2/4/2024 DELIVERED

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THE FOLLOWING:

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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-:3:-

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

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PRESENT

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THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE

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THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN

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TUESDAY, THE 2ND DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 13TH CHAITHRA, 1946

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OP (CAT) NO. 72 OF 2016

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AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT DATED 17.09.2014 IN OA NO.458 OF
2013 OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL,ERNAKULAM BENCH

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PETITIONER/S:

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1N.D.GOPI
TELECOM MECHANIC (RETIRED), O/O.SUB DIVISIONAL
ENGINEER, TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, RAVIPURAM, KOCHI - 682
016, RESIDING AT 'NANGAPILLIL THUNDIYIL' HOUSE,
THYCOODAM, VYTTILA PO,KOCHI - 682 019. *ADDITIONAL
PETITIONERS 2 TO 4 ARE IMPLEADED.
2ADDL.P2:LATHIKA.V.K,
AGED 66 YEARS
AGED 66 YEARS,W/O.LATE N.D.GOPI,RESIDING AT
'NANGAPILLIL THUNDIYI'L HOUSE,THYCOODAM,VYTTILA
P.O..KOCHI-682019.

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3 ADDL.P3:MEERA G., AGED 36 YEARS,D/O.LATE N.D.GOPI, RESIDING AT NANGAPILLIL HUNDIYIL HOUSE,THYCOODAM,VYTTILA P.O.,KOCHI-682019.

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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4ADDL.P4:MEENU G.,
AGED 29 YEARS,D/O.LATE N.D.GOPI, RESIDING AT
NANGAPILLIL HUNDIYIL HOUSE,THYCOODAM,VYTTILA
P.O.,KOCHI-682019. *ADDITIONAL PETITIONERS 2 TO 4
ARE IMPLEADED AS PER ORDER DATED 17/3/21 IN IA
NO.1/2020 IN OP (CAT) 2016.
BY ADV R.SREERAJ

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RESPONDENT/S:

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1 BHARAT SANCHAR NIGM LIMITED

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REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN CUM MANAGING

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DIRECTOR,SANCHAR BHAVAN, NEW DELHI - 110 001.

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2 CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER

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TELECOM, BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD, KERALA CIRCLE,
TRIVANDRUM - 695 001.

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3 PRINCIPAL GENERAL MANAGER TELECOMMUNICATION, BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD, ERNAKULAM SSA ERNAKULAM - 682 016.

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4 UNION OF INDIA

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REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, NEW DELHI -110 001.

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5 THE ACCOUNTS OFFICER ESTT

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OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL GENERAL MANAGER, BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD, ERNAKULAM - 682 016.

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6 THE CONTROLLER OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS DOOR SANCHAR BHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 001. BY ADV SRI.P.J.PHILIP,SC,BSNL(BHARAT SANCHAR N

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THIS OP (CAT) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 4/3/2024,

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ALONG WITH OP (CAT).79/2015, THE COURT 2/4/2024 DELIVERED THE

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FOLLOWING:

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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-:5:-

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A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE & SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN, JJ.

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------------------------------------------------

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O.P.(CAT).Nos.79/2015 and 72/2016

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------------------------------------------------

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Dated this the 2nd day of April, 2024

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J U D G M E N T

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A.Muhamed Mustaque, J.

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These matters pertain to recovery consequent upon

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refixation of pay. The petitioners were the applicants before
the Tribunal. They were originally working in the Department of

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Telecom and they were absorbed in BSNL with effect from
1/10/2000. The original pay fixation was based on Biennial Cadre
Review (BCR). Accordingly, promotion was given based on BCR on
1/7/2000. The petitioner in O.P (CAT) 72/2016 joined the

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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department of telecom as lineman in the year 1974 and on
completion of 26 years of service he was granted Grade III under
BCR scheme w.e.f. 01.07.2000. All the other petitioners were
promoted as Lineman on 1/7/2000 and all of them opted for
fixation of pay from the date of their next increment in lower
scale of pay as provided in FR-22. The petitioners in
O.P.(CAT).No.79/2015 retired on the following dates:

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First applicant: Shri M.L.George : 28/2/2013
Second applicant: Shri P.C.Williams: 31/10/2012
Third applicant: Shri K.V.Haridas : 30/11/2012

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The issue that has arisen in this case:

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2. Method of fixation of pay has undergone a change which
has to be regulated in accordance with the regulations of BSNL.
The pay has to be refixed in accordance with the regulation
issued in the year 2008 and, therefore, the option exercised by
the petitioners is in no way based on FR-22. Admittedly, the
fixation of pay was not rectified based on Office Memorandum
(OM) issued in the year 2006. This was attempted to be rectified
only when their pension papers were processed.

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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The attempt made by the petitioners.

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3. An attempt was made by the petitioners to ensure that

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all officers and staff were transferred along with their posts on existing terms and conditions. The Tribunal found that there is no such condition existing. We may not need to interfere in this matter in as much as that the fixation of pay was logically following the Office Memorandum governing the matter. However, according to us the recovery effected from pension papers will have to be interfered with. The Apex Court in State of Punjab v Rafiq Masih [ AIR 2015 SC 696], issued guidelines regarding recovery. The recovery according to us is unsustainable in the light of clause 2 of Rafiq Masih’s case ( supra ) guidelines as the recovery was effected within one year before they were due to retire. Therefore, we order that the recovered amount be released to the petitioners. However, pension and all other benefits will be in accordance with the refixed pay. The recovered amount shall be released within 2 months.

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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The original petitions are disposed of as above.

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Sd/-

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A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE

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 Sd/-

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SHOBA ANNAMMA EAPEN, JUDGE

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ms

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 72/2016

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`PETITIONER ANNEXU` `ANNEXURE A1`	`RES` `TRUE COPY OF THE` `NO.ESTT/EQ/35370`	`REVISED PAY FIXATION MEMO` `08/44 DATED 5.1.2013`
`ANNEXURE A2`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `250/4(a)/SSA/II/`	`ORDER NO.ST/EK-` `62 DATED 5.4.2001`
`ANNEXURE A3`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `250/4(a)/SSA/II/`	`ORDER NO.ST/EK-` `46 DATED 3.10.2001`
`ANNEXURE A4`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `16.10.2001`	`PAY FIXATION MEMO DATED`
`ANNEXURE A5`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `/2000-RESTG DATE`	`OFFICE MEMORANDUM NO.2-29` `D 30.9.2000`
`ANNEXURE A6`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `DATED 7.8.2002`	`LETTER NO.1-35/ESTT-2002`
`ANNEXURE A7`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `17.12.2008`	`OM NO.I-I(I)06-PAT DATED`
`ANNEXURE A8`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `27.9.2012`	`CIRCULAR NO.32 DATED`
`ANNEXURE A9`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `12.9.2006`	`OM NO.I-I(I)/06-PAT DATED`
`ANNEXURE A 10`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `21.1.2013 SUBMIT`	`REPRESENTATION DATED` `TED BY THE APPLICANT`
`EXHIBIT P1`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `17.9.2014 IN OA` `ERNAKULAM BENCH.`	`FINAL ORDER DATED` `458/2013 HON'BLE CAT`
`EXHIBIT P2`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `458/2013 ON THE` `BENCH.`	`ORIGINAL APPLICATION` `FILE OF CAT ERNAKULAM`
`EXHIBIT P3`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `THE RESPONDENTS` `ON THE FILE OF T` `BENCH.`	`REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY` `1,2,3 & 5 IN OA 458/2013` `HE HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM`
`EXHIBIT P4`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `THE RESPONDENTS` `THE FILE OF THE` `BENCH.`	`REPLY STATEMENT FILED BY` `4 & 6 IN OA 458/2013 ON` `HON'BLE CAT, ERNAKULAM`
`EXHIBIT P5`	`TRUE COPY OF THE` `ON THE FILE OF T` `BENCH.`	`REJOINDER IN OA 458/2013` `HE HON'BLE CAT ERNAKULAM`

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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APPENDIX OF OP (CAT) 79/2015

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`PETITION` `ANNEXURE`	`ER ANNEXU` `A-4`	`RES`	`TRUE` `NO. E`	`COPY OF` `III/331`	`THE` `2008`	`REVISED PAY FIXATION MEMO` `/29 DATED 20.03.2013.`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-5`		`TRUE` `NO. Q`	`COPY OF` `3584/53`	`THE` `DATE`	`REVISED PAY FIXATION MEMO` `D 03-12-2012.`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-6`		`TRUE` `NO. E`	`COPY OF` `III30140`	`THE` `08/3`	`REVISED PAY FIXATION MEMO` `2 DATED 12-03-2013.`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-7`		`TRUE` `NO. Q`	`COPY OF` `3574/47`	`THE` `DATE`	`REVISED PAY FIXATION MEMO` `D 23-03-2013.`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-8`		`TRUE` `13/PA`	`COPY OF` `Y FIXATI`	`THE` `ON/2`	`LETTER NO.ESTT/ENK/2012-` `0 DATED 22-05-2013.`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-9`		`TRUE` `13/PA`	`COPY OF` `Y FIXATI`	`THE` `ON/1`	`LETTER NO. ESTT/ENK/2012-` `7 DATED 22-05-2013`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-10`		`TRUE` `13/PA`	`COPY OF` `Y FIXATI`	`THE` `ON/1`	`LETTER NO. ESTT/ENK/2012-` `9 DATED 22-05-2013.`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-11`		`TRUE` `13/PA`	`COPY OF` `Y FIXATI`	`THE` `ON/1`	`LETTER NO. ESTT/ENK/2012-` `8 DATED 22-05-2013`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-1`		`TRUE` `29-20`	`COPY OF` `00-REGTG`	`THE` `DAT`	`OFFICE MEMORANDUM NO. 2-` `ED 30-09-2000.`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-2`		`TRUE` `DATED`	`COPY OF` `07-08-2`	`THE` `002.`	`LETTER NO.1-35/ESTT-2002`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-3`		`TRUE` `04-20`	`COPY OF` `13.`	`THE`	`REPRESENTATION DATED 24-`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-12`		`TRUE` `DATED`	`COPY OF` `17-12-2`	`THE` `008.`	`OM NO. I-I(I)/06-PAT`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-13`		`TRUE` `09-20`	`COPY OF` `12.`	`THE`	`CIRCULAR NO. 32 DATED 27-`
`ANNEXURE`	`A-14`		`TRUE` `12-09`	`COY OF T` `-2006.`	`HE O`	`M NO. I-I(I)/06-PAT DATED`
`ANNEXURE` `4`	`R-1(a)1`	`TO`	`TRUE` `DOT,`	`COPY FO` `TRIVANDU`	`THE` `M.`	`LETTER FORWARDED TO CCA,`
`ANNEXURE`	`R-1(b)1`	`TO`	`TRUE`	`COPY OF`	`THE`	`REVISED PAY FIXATION MEMO`
`3`			`OF TH`	`E APPLIC`	`ANTS`	`1,3, AND 4.`
`ANNEXURE` `2`	`R-1(c)1`	`TO`	`TRUE` `APPLI`	`COPY OF` `CANT.`	`THE`	`REFIXATION MEMO OF 2ND`

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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`ANNEXURE R-1(d)`	`TRUE COPY` `1(06)/200`	`OF THE` `6 PAT D`	`DOT LETTER NO.1-` `ATED 05-08-2012.`
`ANNEXURE R-1(e)`	`TRUE COPY` `SHRI. K.N`	`OF THE` `.JAYAN.`	`SAMPLE PAY FIXATION OF`
`ANNEXURE R-1(f)`	`TRUE COPY` `SHRI.P.K.`	`OF THE` `MOHANAN`	`SAMPLE PAY FIXATION OF` `.`
`ANNEXURE R-1(g)`	`TRUE COPY` `LETTER NO` `03-05-201`	`OF THE` `.1-5/20` `3.`	`BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE` `04-PAT(BSNL)PT.V. DATED`
`ANNEXURE R-1`	`PHOTOCOPY`	`OF UO`	`NOTE OF THE MINISTRY.`
`ANNEXURE R-2`	`PHOTOCOPY`	`OF THE`	`OM DATED 17-12-2008.`
`EXHIBIT P-1`	`TRUE COPY` `OF THE HO` `TRIBUNAL,`	`OF THE` `N'BLE C` `ERNAKU`	`OA 800/2013 ON THE FILE` `ENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE` `LAM BENCH`
`EXHIBIT P-2`	`TRUE COPY` `FILED BY` `800/2013` `CENTRAL A` `BENCH`	`OF THE` `RESPOND` `ON THE` `DMINIST`	`REPLY STATEMENT FILED` `ENTS 1 TO 3 AND 5 IN OA` `FILE OF THE HON'BLE` `RATIVE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM`
`EXHIBIT P-3`	`TRUE COPY` `FILED BY` `ON THE FI` `ADMINISTR`	`OF THE` `RESPOND` `LE OF T` `ATIVE T`	`REPLY STATEMENT FILED` `ENTS 4 & 6 IN OA 800/2013` `HE HON'BLE CENTRAL` `RIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM BENCH`
`EXHIBIT P-4`	`TRUE COPY` `APPLICANT` `THE HON'B` `TRIBUNAL,`	`OF THE` `S IN OA` `LE CENT` `ERNAKU`	`REJOINDER FILED BY THE` `800/2013 ON THE FILE OF` `RAL ADMINISTRATIVE` `LAM BENCH`
`EXHIBIT P-5`	`TRUE COPY` `17/9/2014` `THE HON'B` `TRIBUNAL,`	`OF THE` `IN OA` `LE CENT` `ERNAKU`	`FINAL ORDER DATED` `800/2013 ON THE FILE OF` `RAL ADMINISTRATIVE` `LAM BENCH`
`RESPONDENT EXHIBITS`
`EXHIBIT R3(a)`	`ORDER DAT`	`ED 30-0`	`9-2000.`
`EXHIBIT R3(b)`	`ORDER DAT`	`ED 07-0`	`8-2002.`
`EXHIBIT R3(c)`	`COPY OF D` `PAPER.`	`OCUMENT`	`FORWARDING THE PENSION`
`EXHIBIT R3(d)`	`COPY OF D` `PAPER.`	`OCUMENT`	`FORWARDING THE PENSION`
`EXHIBIT R3(e)`	`COPY OF D` `PAPER.`	`OCUMENT`	`FORWARDING THE PENSION`

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OP(CAT) Nos. 79/2015 & 72/2016

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EXHIBIT R3(f)COPY OF DOCUMENT FORWARDING THE PENSION
PAPER OF 1ST PETITIONER.
EXHIBIT R3(g)COPY OF DOCUMENT FORWARDING THE PENSION
PAPER OF 2ND PETITIONER.
EXHIBIT R3(h)COPY OF DOCUMENT FORWARDING THE PENSION
PAPER OF 3RD PETITIONER.

M.L.George, v. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

M.L.George, v. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

A compact analysis

Issues for consideration

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