M S REDDY Vs. T T D

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The cluster of Writs is the cause of series of engagements and disengagements of the petitioners. In some Writ Petitions the orders passed by the respondent Devasthanam dt. 25-2-96 are assailed. In some others the Petitioners claim the benefit of Section 25-H of the Industrial Disputes Act and yet in other cases they seek the benefit on par with other similarly situate persons.

(2.) Facts in all these cases are segregated and sieved to cull out issues for determination. Therefore, individual facts in each Writ Petition are not narrated.

(3.) The geneology of the factual matrix as can be discerned is that the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (for short T.T.D.) has been enlisting the services of volunteers, unit workers, scouts and guides, even pilgrims in various sections of the Devasthanam, such as 'Q' complexes, Canteen, Potu etc. These volunteers were engaged mostly during peak period as Brahmosthavam, summer holidays and other special occasions, or whenever the pilgrim inflow was heavy. Volunteers were being supervised by one Sri C.K.R. Jaya Ramakrishnan, Physical Director. The Volunteers involved in these cases principally belonged to 1985 and onwards. Since the service was voluntary, there was no regularity. Whenever they presented they were used to be engaged if there are vacancies. Initially they were paid Rs. 10/- per day and later enhanced to Rs.15/- per day. While so, the Members of Nehru Yuvak Samaj appear to have made representation to take them into service on the ground they rendered voluntary service. The T.T.D. passed resolution No. 1091, dated 10-4-1991 taking them back into voluntary service. Thus, they worked from May, 1991 to November, 1993, when their services were terminated. Again they were taken back into voluntary service by proceedings dated: 17-3-1994. Again they were discharged on 10-4-1995 and they were taken back yet again on 12-5-1995. Finally their services were terminated by proceedings dated 25-2-1996. In Writ Petition No. 4217/96 and also in W.P. 4218/96 the said proceedings are assailed. Other Writ Petitions were filed either for absorption on line of Nehru Yuvaka Sangam or under Section25-H of the Industrial Disputes Act. Some of the petitionersapproached this Court after inordinate delay ranging from 7 years to 14 years. Main focus of the counsel is on Writ Petition No. 4165/96, 4217/96, 4218/96, when certain volunteers were terminated.