In Brief
The Supreme Court held that Internal Auditors employed by Punjab State Power Corporation cannot claim parity of pay with Head Clerks merely because both posts fall under Group XII. The Court emphasized that equal pay for equal work applies only when there is complete identity in recruitment mode, qualifications, duties, and responsibilities. Internal Auditors (55% direct-recruited, 45% promoted) differ fundamentally from Head Clerks (purely promoted). The Court noted that employees who consciously chose the Internal Auditor path—with superior promotional avenues and higher future pay—cannot later claim parity. Courts should not interfere with expert committees' pay determinations, as such judicial action violates separation of powers. The High Court's judgment was set aside.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.