MANYAM VENKATA RAMA RAO Vs. STATE OF TELANGANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These intra-Court Appeals take exception to the common order passed in W.P.Nos.14315, 15944 and 14641 of 2021, dtd. 20/12/2024 decided along with other matters.

(2.) The Writ Petitions were filed by retired employees assailing G.O.Ms.Nos.55 and 56, dtd. 11/6/2021. The main grievance of the petitioners/appellants is that the respondents/State while issuing the said G.Os. made it clear that the revised consolidated basic pension shall come into force with effect from 1/7/2018 notionally and monetary benefits shall be allowed w.e.f. 1/4/2020. Thus, no difference of Retirement Gratuity/ Encashment of Earned Leave shall be payable to the retired employees who retired between 1/7/2018 and 31/3/2020. Contention of the appellants:

(3.) The bone of contention of the learned counsel for the appellants is that the pensioners belong to one homogeneous class. The respondents/State by putting the said condition and cut-off date divided a homogeneous class and made an attempt to create a class within the class. This hits Article 14 of the Constitution and cannot be treated to be a valid classification. There is no rationale behind the same, neither there exist any object sought to be achieved.