In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that part-time sweepers appointed on sanctioned government posts are entitled to regular pay. This judgment brings much-needed relief to employees who have been fighting for fair wages for a long time.
On January 31, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that employees working on sanctioned posts, even if appointed as part-time workers, must receive regular pay. The court rejected the state government’s argument that part-time employees do not qualify for such benefits.
"The designation of the appellants as 'part-time' does not affect the validity of their appointment since they were appointed against sanctioned posts." – Supreme Court
Background
The case arose from the Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to appoint sweepers on a temporary basis and later deny them regular pay.
In 2016, the petitioners took their case to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, citing earlier Supreme Court rulings and a government circular issued on May 10, 1984.
This circular explicitly states that employees who have served for three years should be granted regular pay scales.
However, the state government contended that these appointments were made without a screening committee’s approval, making the employees ineligible for regular pay.
High Court Proceedings
The case initially went to a single-judge bench, which ruled in favor of the petitioners. The state government, however, challenged this decision before a division bench.
The division bench overturned the single-judge verdict, forcing the petitioners to approach the Supreme Court for justice.
Supreme Court's Justification
The Supreme Court overturned the division bench's ruling, emphasizing that employees appointed on sanctioned posts cannot be denied regular pay.
It further clarified that as per the 1984 circular, an employee who has worked at the collector’s wage rate for three years should be treated as a temporary employee and granted a revised pay scale.
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Verdict and Impact
Restoring the High Court’s single-judge decision, the Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to provide regular pay scales to the petitioners.
"It would be unjust for the state government to deny regular pay scales to employees appointed on sanctioned posts." – Supreme Court
This ruling sets an important precedent, ensuring that part-time employees working on sanctioned government posts receive fair wages.
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The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the rights of government employees, confirming that part-time workers appointed on sanctioned posts must be treated fairly. This judgment paves the way for other employees seeking just compensation.
