SANTU SINGH Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THESE two writ petitions arise from the same set of facts and circumstances and the petitioners in these two cases seek similar reliefs. THESE two cases were, therefore, heard together and are being disposed of by this common order.

(2.) THE petitioners in these two cases (116 in number in CWJC No. 1503 of 2000 and 81 in CWJC No. 14394 of 2001) are the employees of Fatuha-Phulwari Sharif Gramin Vidyut Sahkari Samiti Limit ('the Samiti', hereinafter) which is currently under liquidation. THEy seek from this Court directions (i) for their absorption in the service of the Bihar State Electricity Board ('the Board', hereinafter and (ii) for payment of their arrear salary from June, 1996 by the Board.

(3.) ON 26.7.1995 some questions were asked in the Legislative Assembly regarding the fate of the employees of the Samiti. In the answers given by the Minister of Power though there was no commitment or assurance regarding the time frame, there was clear indication that the Government proposed the absorption of the employees of the Samiti in the service of the Board. ON the basis of the answers given by the Government on the floor of the House, the in-charge Secretary of the Assembly wrote a letter, dated 13.2.1997 to the Chief Secretary, the Secretaries, Departments of Co-operation and Energy and the Chairman of the Board requesting them that in the light of the assurance given in the House, the take over of the assets and liabilities of the undertaking of the Samiti along with its employees should be completed without any further delay.