In Brief
Six temporary employees of the Special Frontier Force's Compulsory Saving Scheme Deposit Fund sought pension benefits under the 6th Central Pay Commission. Though classified as temporary, they had served 30+ years in regular pay scales with increments, promotions, and benefits comparable to permanent staff. The Tribunal and High Court rejected their claims, finding them non-government employees ineligible for such benefits. The Supreme Court set aside these decisions, holding that despite formal temporary classification, their substantive employment pattern—spanning decades, performing government functions similar to permanent staff, and integrated into the governmental structure—constituted regular government service. Denying pensionary benefits solely on temporary status was arbitrary and violated constitutional equality guarantees. The Court directed extension of full 6th CPC benefits, including pension, to the appellants.
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