In Brief
The State of Punjab issued a notification in 2003 withdrawing higher pay scales previously granted to Vocational Masters, restricting them only to those appointed before 1995 with certain qualifications. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision quashing this notification. The Court held that Vocational Masters and Lecturers performed identical teaching duties with comparable qualifications and had been treated as equals since 1978. Creating an artificial distinction violated Articles 14 and 16. Additionally, the notification caused civil consequences without affording employees a hearing, breaching natural justice principles. The Court dismissed the State's appeal, affirming that similarly situated employees cannot be discriminated against arbitrarily.
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