In Brief
The Supreme Court dismissed the State of Punjab's appeal challenging a High Court order that granted equal pay to Vocational Masters. The Court held that Vocational Masters and Vocational Lecturers performing identical duties in the same schools and teaching the same classes must receive equal pay. Since both categories were treated as equals with identical pay scales since 1978, the State could not create arbitrary distinctions through mere re-designation. Additionally, the challenged Notification was passed without giving affected employees a hearing, violating natural justice principles. The Court upheld the High Court's decision directing the State to extend higher pay scale benefits to all Vocational Masters.
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