Madras High Court: TWAD Board's Pay Scale Dispute Reopened for Fresh Hearing

Summary: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has decided to reopen a case involving the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board and its employees over pay scale changes and the recovery of extra money paid. This decision comes after a review request pointed out missed details in earlier decisions.

Background of the Case

The case is about a disagreement between the TWAD Board and some of its workers, including P. Balakumar. Back in 2011, the workers' pay scale was changed from Rs. 4000-6000 to Rs. 3050-4950, effective from 1999. This change meant they had to give back the extra money they received. Understandably, the workers were not happy and challenged this decision in court.

Initial Court Rulings

In 2014, the court cases filed by the workers were successful, as the court relied on an earlier decision from 2013 that supported the workers' claims. The TWAD Board, led by its Managing Director, didn't give up and filed appeals, but these were rejected in 2021. The court at that time based its decision on Board Proceedings No. 505 from 1986.

The Twist with Board Proceedings

Here's where it gets interesting. The TWAD Board argued that the 1986 proceedings were actually canceled in 2015 by a new order, P.B.Ms.No.55. This important piece of information wasn't considered in the 2021 decision, which led to the current review requests.

"The Board Proceedings No.505 dated 12.12.1986 was canceled by TWAD Board under P.B.Ms.No.55 dated 04.08.2015."

The Role of Justice R. Vijayakumar

Justice R. Vijayakumar noted that since the 2015 order was not considered, it's only fair to review the case. Plus, there's an ongoing challenge to the 2015 order in another court, which makes things more complicated.

What's Next?

The court has decided to allow the review requests, meaning the case will be heard again. This gives both sides another chance to present their arguments, especially considering the new evidence regarding the canceled proceedings.

"We are inclined to allow the review applications and to restore the writ appeals for fresh hearing."

Verdict Summary

The case will be reopened for a new hearing, giving both the TWAD Board and its employees another opportunity to present their arguments in light of the new evidence.