MEHTAB SINGH KHANNA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners, who are the retired employees of this Court, have challenged the order of respondent No. 3 dated Jan.12, 1986 whereby an intimation was given to them that their case cannot be considered under Non-OYT-SS category as Punjab and Haryana High Court is an autonomous body.

(2.) A reference to relevant facts is necessary to resolve the question of law raised in the petition. The petitioners were the employees of this Court. The department of Telecommunication issued instructions laying down criterion for grant of telephone connections to the retired officers of the Central and State Governments under Non-OYT-SS category. The petitioners applied for telephone connections on the prescribed forms. Respondent No. 3 intimated them vide letter dated 12/01/1986 that their case could not be considered under Non-OYT-SS category as Punjab and Haryana High Court is an autonomous body. The petitioners maintained that they were members of the Civil Service of the State as they were holding posts in connection with the affairs of the State and thus were eligible for registration of telephones under Non-OYT-SS category.

(3.) Written statement was filed on behalf of respondent No. 3. it was pleaded that in accordance with the instructions contained in Director General, Posts and Telegraphs, New Delhi, letter No. 2-29 / 78-PHA dated 14-3-80 issued by DGPandT, New Delhi under paragraph 24(1)(i) of PandT Manual Volume-XII, the requests of the petitioners for registration of telephones under NON-OYT-SS category could not be considered. It was further pleaded that the High Court is a statutory body and the petitioners were not the members of the Civil Services of the State and were thus not eligible for registration of telephones under Non OYT-SS category.