Chandigarh Administration Faces Contempt Notice Over Pay Scale Dispute
A group of clerks and steno-typists employed by the Chandigarh Union Territory administration has escalated their long-standing grievance by serving a contempt notice against the administration. This legal action stems from allegations of non-compliance with an order issued by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Chandigarh bench, concerning the revision of their pay scales.
Background of the Recruitment and Pay Scale Alteration
The dispute traces back to a recruitment advertisement published by the UT administration on September 28, 2019. This advertisement specifically listed the pay scale for the positions of clerk and steno-typist as Rs 10,300 to Rs 34,800, accompanied by a grade pay of Rs 3,200. However, during the recruitment process, a significant change was introduced through a corrigendum dated January 13, 2021. This document revised the entry-level pay and pay scale downwards for the newly selected candidates, leading to appointments being made based on this reduced scale.
The affected employees, feeling aggrieved by this unilateral alteration, sought legal recourse by approaching the CAT. They filed Original Applications numbered 193/2023 and 192/2023 to challenge the administration's decision.
CAT's Ruling and the Statutory Force of Recruitment Rules
In a decisive order dated September 22 of the previous year, the CAT made a crucial observation. The tribunal emphasized that the Recruitment Rules of 2015, which were framed under Article 309 of the Constitution of India, carry statutory force. This means that the pay scale prescribed within these rules cannot be arbitrarily altered through an administrative corrigendum without adhering to the due process of law. The CAT's ruling underscored the importance of following proper legal procedures when making such changes, thereby supporting the employees' claim.
Implications of the Contempt Notice
The issuance of the contempt notice by the clerks and steno-typists marks a significant step in their fight for fair compensation. It highlights their determination to hold the Chandigarh administration accountable for what they perceive as a violation of the CAT's order. This move could potentially lead to further legal proceedings if the administration fails to address the non-compliance issues promptly.
This case sheds light on broader issues related to employee rights and administrative transparency in government recruitment processes. It serves as a reminder of the legal protections afforded to public sector employees under statutory frameworks like the Recruitment Rules.
