Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department Vs. Om Prakash Singh and Ors. [Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 4900 of 2023]
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 15 Jun 2025 --
- 0 Comments
The Supreme Court of India, in Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department vs. Om Prakash Singh and Ors. [Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 4900 of 2023], delivered its judgment on January 6, 2025, addressing the entitlement of employees to regularization (Niyamitikaran) benefits and pay scales following administrative restructuring and bifurcation of departments.
Facts and Background
The petitioners, including Om Prakash Singh, were engaged in various capacities under the Rural Water Supply Department and related government bodies. Over time, administrative changes, including the bifurcation of the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, led to disputes regarding their pay benefits, seniority, and regularization status.
The petitioners sought enforcement of prior orders and policies granting them regularization benefits as per the government policy dated May 16, 2017. They contended that despite such policies and earlier court directions, the benefits were not extended to them, causing financial and service-related prejudice.
Legal Issues
Whether the petitioners were entitled to regularization benefits under the government policy and prior judicial orders.
The effect of administrative bifurcation of the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam on the continuity of pay benefits and service conditions.
The scope of judicial enforcement of service benefits and compliance with government policies.
Supreme Court’s Analysis and Findings
The Court affirmed that prior orders regarding pay benefits and regularization must be complied with in letter and spirit. It held that the administrative bifurcation of the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam does not invalidate or nullify existing rights or benefits accrued by employees before the bifurcation.
The Court relied on earlier judgments emphasizing the constitutional mandate of equality in public employment and the necessity to adhere to service rules and policies fairly and consistently. It reiterated that employees who have been regularized as per policy and court orders cannot be denied their rightful benefits due to administrative restructuring.
The Court directed the concerned authorities to implement the benefits without delay and ensure that the petitioners’ service conditions are regularized accordingly.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court disposed of the Special Leave Petition with directions that:
The petitioners are entitled to all benefits of regularization as per the government policy dated May 16, 2017, and prior judicial orders.
Administrative changes such as bifurcation do not affect accrued service rights and pay benefits.
Authorities must comply promptly with court directions and government policies to avoid further litigation.
The judgment reinforces the principle of fairness and equality in public employment and safeguards employees’ legitimate service interests.
This ruling strengthens judicial protection for government employees facing uncertainty due to administrative reorganizations and underscores the binding nature of government policies and court orders on service matters.
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