HMT LIMITED Vs. P SUBBARAYUDU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) These appeals arise out of different writ appeals disposed of by the Andhra Pradesh High Court as well as the High Court of Karnataka. It is not necessary to refer to the facts in individual cases since the broad features of all cases are similar and the question of law urged is identical.

(3.) The appellant in all these cases is Hindustan Machines Tools Ltd., a Public Sector Undertaking under the control of the Department of Public Enterprises. On or about 5-10-1988 the Department of Public Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as DPE) issued an office memorandum giving guidelines to Public Sector Enterprises in the matter of introduction of voluntary retirement schemes. On 31st of March, 1989, the appellant-company introduced a voluntary retirement scheme by different office orders in its establishments. On or about 20th of October, 1992 a second voluntary retirement scheme which slightly extended the benefits, was introduced. A large number of employees - both officers and workmen - took advantage of the voluntary retirement schemes.