(Kurian Joseph and Mohan M. Shantanagoudar, JJ.)
Karshanbhai Ramjibhai Jaladiya ____________________ Appellant
v.
District Development Officer and Anr. ____________ Respondent(s)
Civil Appeal No. 2949 of 2018 [@ Special Leave Petition (C) Nos. 15576 of 2016], decided on March 19, 2018
With
Civil Appeal No. 2950 of 2018 [@ Special Leave Petition (C) Nos. 15678 of 2016]
The Judgement of the Court was delivered by
Kurian Joseph, J.:—
1. Leave granted.
2. The appellants are aggrieved since they have not been granted reinstatement in service while their juniors were retained by the first respondent. During the pendency of the litigation, spanning over three decades, Sh. Khimjibhai Muljibhai Mahida (appellant in Civil Appeal No. 2950/2018) expired and hence, the litigation is pursued by his legal representative.
3. When this matter came up for admission before this Court, we directed Sh. H.P. Raval, learned senior counsel appearing for the respondents, to get instruction as to whether there are any vacancies available, either as Work Charged Clerk or Carpenter. Today, on instruction, Sh. Raval submits that there is no vacancy available as of now. It is also explained that one junior happened to be retained in service pursuant to the directions issued by the High Court in the facts of that case. Be that as it may, we find that the workmen had around five years of service and, therefore, compensation awarded to them to the tune of Rs. 1,85,000/- (Rupees One Lakh and Eighty Five Thousand) seems to be on the lower side. Having regard to the entire facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the prolonged litigation pursued by the parties reaching upto this Court, we are of the view that the interest of justice would be met if the compensation is fixed at Rs. 6,50,000/-(Rupees Six Lakhs and Fifty Thousand) each, in addition to the amounts already paid, in full and final settlement of the entire claims of the appellants. The appeals are allowed to the above extent.
4. We make it clear that in the case of Sh. Karshanbhai Ramjibhai Jaladiya (appellant in Civil Appeal No. 2949/2018), he shall be entitled to preferential appointment in case any future vacancy arises, either as Work Charged Clerk or as Carpenter, subject to eligibility.
5. We make it clear that this amount shall be paid in addition to the amount already paid to the appellants as per the directions of the High Court. The amount shall be paid within a period of six weeks from today.
6. We further make it clear that this Judgment is passed in the peculiar facts of this case and, therefore, shall not be treated as a precedent.
Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 15576/2016
Karshanbhai Ramjibhai Jaladiya _______________________ Appellant
v.
District Development Officer and Anr _______________ Respondent(s)
With
SLP(C) No. 15678/2016 (III)
Date: 19-03-2018 These petitions were called on for hearing today.
(Before Kurian Joseph and Mohan M. Shantanagoudar, JJ.)
For Petitioner(s) Mrs. Saroj Haresh Raichura, Adv.
Mr. Kalp Raichura, Adv.
Mr. Haresh Raichura, Adv.
For Respondent(s) Mr. H.P. Raval, Sr. Adv.
Mr. Anirudh Sharma, Adv.
Mr. Abhaid Parikh, Adv.
UPON hearing the counsel the Court made the following
ORDER
7. Leave granted.
8. The appeals are allowed to the extent indicated in the signed non-reportable Judgment.
9. Pending Interlocutory Applications, if any, stand disposed of.
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