STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. KIRPAL SINGH BHATIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals are by special leave from the judgment dated 10 March, 1972 of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

(2.) The respondents were teachers in the former State of Pepsu. On 1 November, 1956 the former State of Pepsu merged in the State of Punjab. These teachers claim the revised scale of pay as well as the posts of Masters. Their claims are based on these grounds. First, they have taken the Degrees in Bachelor of Teaching or its equivalent. Second, the letter dated 23 July, 1957 which became effective from 1 May, 1957 entitles them to the revised grade if they took the Degree in Bachelor of Teaching or its equivalent. Third, the letter dated 7 November, 1958 entitles the respondents to the posts of Masters to the extent of 25 per cent of the vacancies.

(3.) The letter dated 23 July, 1957 is addressed by the Secretary to the Punjab Government. The letter is on the subject : "Revision of Scales of pay of low-paid Government servants." The letter states that after carefully considering the recommendations made by Pay Revision Committee it has been decided that the existing scales of pay of certain categories of posts should, with effect from 1 May, 1957, be revised as shown therein. It is, thereafter stated that it has been decided that all teachers according to their qualifications should be placed in the following two broad categories :