In Brief
T.I. Jose and others worked as Head Operators under the Kerala Water Authority. During a 1999 pay revision, the government created an intermediate post of Senior Operator by administrative order, which resulted in Head Operators receiving an enhanced pay scale (Rs 5635-9135). The High Court held that such an intermediate post required amendment to statutory rules and could not be created administratively. Following this judgment, the government abolished the post and restored the Head Operator pay scale to Rs 4710-7710 (the pre-revised equivalent). The Supreme Court upheld this action, holding that the enhanced scale was a direct consequence of the invalid intermediate post's creation, and its reversal was lawful. However, no recovery of amounts already paid to employees was ordered."
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