In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the Punjab State Electricity Board's decision to differentiate pay scales between Internal Auditors (Rs.1800-3200) and Head Clerks (Rs.2000-3500), both in Group XII. Internal Auditors claimed parity because the positions had equal pay for over two decades. The Court held that mere group categorization does not entitle parity; claimants must prove identical recruitment modes, qualifications, and duties. Internal Auditors (55% direct recruits, 45% promoted) and Head Clerks (promotional only) have different nature of work, responsibilities, and promotional avenues. The Court ruled that expert pay committees' determinations are not reviewable unless made with improper considerations, and employees who consciously chose Internal Auditor positions cannot later claim historical parity was illegally disturbed.
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