K.NAVENEETHAM Vs. GOVERNMENT OF A.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Present writ petition is filed questioning the inaction of respondents in granting pensionary benefits to the petitioners for the service rendered with 3rd respondent - Devasthanam to be illegal, arbitrary and contrary to G.O.Ms.No.680, Revenue (Endts.III) Department, dtd. 15/7/1987 and consequently to direct the respondents to pay the pensionary benefits with all consequential benefits.

(2.) (a) Petitioners stated to have been initially joined in the transport wing maintained by 3rd respondent Devasthanam as drivers, conductors, mechanics, attenders etc. It is stated that they were extended revised pay scales, granting HRA and other increments. Initially, the employees of 3rd respondent Devasthanam were not covered by pensionary benefits. By virtue of G.O.Ms.No.201, dtd. 12/2/1982, the Government has issued orders, thereby, the employees working in eight temples, including 3rd respondent temple were directed to be extended the pay scales, HRA, TA, LTC, Family Planning Incentives, Surrender Leave, Medical Reimbursement, Promotions and Extension of Fundamental Rules as applicable to the Government employees and to that extent, Rules be framed under Sec. 31(3) of A.P. Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1966.

(3.) (a) Initially, the writ petition was preferred against respondents 1 to 3, however, when the 3rd respondent Devasthanam has taken objection regarding non-joinder of necessary parties, 4th respondent Corporation was sought to be impleaded vide I.A. No.1 of 2024, which eventually came to be ordered on 19/6/2024. Both respondents 3 and 4 have filed counters opposing the prayer in the writ petition.