In Brief
The Supreme Court was asked whether secondary school teachers appointed before 2006 and those appointed under 2006 Rules ('Niyojit Teachers') must receive equal pay for equal work. Bihar and other appellants challenged a lower court order granting pay parity. The Court held that the two categories of teachers stand on different legal footings, and the State's distinction between them is natural and rational. It noted that the State had progressively improved Niyojit Teachers' pay-scales and decided not to make fresh Government teacher appointments after 2006. With over 4 lakh Niyojit Teachers sought parity with a diminishing older cadre, the Court found differential treatment justified by the State's broader educational achievements. The appeal was allowed, effectively dismissing the claim for equal pay.
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