E.R. JEYAKUMARI Vs. THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN all these writ petitions, the petitioners have challenged the impugned order dated 28.05.2014 passed by the Assistant Divisional Engineer, Highways Department (C & M), Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District/3rd respondent directing recovery of the enhanced pay already paid to the petitioners from 01.04.2013 from their respective salaries.

(2.) THE petitioners were appointed as Road Inspector Grade II through employment exchange. Their next avenue of promotion is Road Inspector Grade - I. They were granted enhanced grade pay for the Skilled Assistant Grade -II from Rs.2,000/ - to Rs.2,400/ -, since the revision of the said grade pay is applicable to the entry level trade posts in all the Government Departments including the local bodies on the basis of G.O.Ms.No. 325 Finance (Pay Cell) Department, dated 22.07.2013. While the petitioners were granted the benefit of G.O.Ms.No. 325, all of a sudden, without even issuing any notice whatsoever, the 3rd respondent passed the impugned orders directing recovery of the enhanced grade pay already granted to the petitioners from 01.04.2013. Challenging the said order on the ground that it is violative of principles of natural justice, the petitioners have come to this Court.

(3.) IN view of the above, the impugned orders of recovery dated 28.05.2014 are set aside and it is open to the respondents to strictly adhere to the principles of natural justice before passing any order of recovery and proceed further in accordance with law. The writ petitions are disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.