BALDEV SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners have sought a mandate to the respondents to release them the selection grade in this petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India.

(2.) The petitioners are working as Library Restorers in the State of Punjab in the pay scale of Rs. 400-600. They claim that they have reached the maximum of the time scale and are entitled to selection grade in the light of the instruction issued by the Punjab Government from time to time. In support of their claim, they have placed reliance upon circular letter No. 8/30/78-FR(5)/1845, dated March 3, 1980 and letter No. 7/25/84-5FR/11160, dated Oct. 29, 1984 issued by the Government of Punjab, Department of Finance (Finance Regulations) whereby criteria for grant of Selection Grade in the cadres of various services in the State was laid down.

(3.) In the written statement filed on behalf of the State of Punjab and Director of Public Instruction (Colleges), Punjab, the issuance of the instructions alluded to in the writ petition is not disputed, but it is averred that these are not applicable to the petitioners as no selection Grade has been provided to the category of posts in the Service to which they belong in the Punjab Government Gazette (Extra.) No. 38/4/79-FR(Pay Revision), dated Oct. 18, 1979 Schedule B, Sr. No. 5.