(1.) Learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that they are not paid arrears of their salary for the period running from 1st January, 1971 to 31st March, 1973 and therefore, the said amount may be paid to the petitioners alongwith statutory interest.
(2.) Learned counsel for the respondents submitted that the aforesaid amounts were credited in the general provident funds of the respective petitioners, but, the same have not been paid and therefore, in pursuance of an order in Letters Patent Appeal No. 651 of 2002, decided on 30th April, 2003, which is affirmed by the Hon'ble Apex Court in Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) No. 5803 of 2004, it will be paid alongwith statutory interest. Now, the Chief Secretary of the State of Jharkhand has already issued a Circular to the aforesaid effect.
(3.) In view of these submissions, I hereby, direct the concerned respondents to make the payment of the arrears of salary to the respective petitioners, for the period running from 1st January, 1971 to 31st March, 1973 alongwith statutory interest, within a period of sixteen weeks, from the date of receipt of a copy of an order of this Court.