SEWA SINGH PURWA Vs. PUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner herein claims that vide order dated June 4, 1987, he was promoted from the post of Bill Distributor to that of regular T-Mate. He further claims that he was drawing a basic pay of Rs. 870.00 while working as a Bill Distributor, but on his promotion to the post of regular T-Mate his basic pay has been reduced to Rs. 750.00.

(2.) In spite of repeated opportunities, no written statement was filed on behalf of the respondents, including the Punjab State Electricity Board. Even today at the hearing, no one has appeared on behalf of the respondents. In fact the order dated March 7, 1991 passed by the Motion Bench shows that writ petition was admitted as neither the costs had been paid nor the written statement had been filed.

(3.) The petition does not disclose the basic pay scale of the post of Bill Distributor. It also does not disclose the basic pay scale of the post of regular T-Mate. In this situation, it appears to be appropriate to direct the respondents to hear the petitioner and decide the matter by passing a speaking order. In case, it is found that the post of Regular T-Mate is higher or equal to that of Bill Distributor then, the action of the respondents in reducing the basic pay of the petitioner would not be sustainable. In that event, the respondents shall pay the petitioner such arrears as may be found due to him. If the petitioner is aggrieved against the order that may be ultimately passed, he would be at liberty to approach this Court in a fresh petition on the same, similar or other grounds. The respondents shall decide the matter within three months from the date of the receipt of a copy of this order. Keeping in view the fact that nobody has appeared on behalf of the respondents to contest this petition, I make no order as to costs. Order accordingly.