In Brief
Data Entry Operators appointed on a contractual basis between 1996–1999 were later regularised in 2015. They sought to count their contractual service period towards pension and other benefits under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. The High Court refused, holding that contractual service cannot be counted because the initial appointment was not pursuant to Staff Selection Commission recommendation. The Supreme Court partly allowed the appeal, directing that Rule 17 of the Pension Rules applies upon regularisation. The Court mandated that the Government provide a structured mechanism for employees to exercise the statutory option to refund benefits in exchange for counting prior contractual service towards pension, with clear communication of amounts and defined timelines.
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