SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT Vs. K. SURULIRAJ

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals have been filed to set aside the orders dated 19.03.2018, passed in W.P.(MD).Nos.5746, 5747, 5748 & 5749 of 2018.

(2.) The respondents were initially appointed as Thalayaris, which is a non-provincialised and part-time service. Subsequently, the said post of Thalayari was abolished and thereafter, the Government took a decision to accommodate the said 28,000 Thalayaris and appointed them as Village Assistants as per G.O.Ms.No.625 dated 06.07.1995, with effect from 01.06.1995 by redesignating the said post of Thalayari as a full-time post of Village Assistant and appointed eligible Thalayaris as Village Assistants. The writ petitioners were also absorbed as Village Assistants on 01.06.1995. After completion of their service without any blemish, they are retired as Village Assistants. For brevity and better appreciation of the case, the details of the petitioners' service are tabulated as follows:

(3.) The writ petitioners claimed that the period of past service as Thalayari ought to be taken into account for computing pension. The Writ Court accepted the contention and allowed the writ petitions vide the impugned order dated 19.03.2018. Aggrieved by the same, the State filed the present intra-court appeals.