HC gives Palampur varsity 2 weeks to implement orders

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, to implement within two weeks its earlier orders regarding employees’ pending salary dues, arrears and the designation of Junior Technicians as Group-IV staff.

Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, while hearing a petition filed by aggrieved employees on Thursday, expressed displeasure over the university’s continued failure to comply with the court’s previous directions. Justice Dua observed that judicial orders were binding and could not be ignored or kept in abeyance at the convenience of the administrative authorities.

The petitioners informed the court that though explicit directions had been issued earlier, the university did not fully release the pending salary arrears to the eligible employees. They submitted that the decision regarding the re-designation of Junior Technicians as Group-IV employees, a matter directly impacting their service conditions, pay structure and career progression, had not been implemented in letter and in spirit.

The court took note of the prolonged delay and granted the final opportunity to the university administration to ensure compliance with its earlier orders. It categorically warned the university that if the orders were not complied with within stipulated two weeks, the Registrar would be required to appear personally before the court to explain the reasons for non-compliance.

The case is expected to come up for further hearing after the expiry of the deadline when the court will review the status of compliance.