In Brief
The Supreme Court quashed directions by the High Court ordering the Union of India to reformulate a regularization policy and sanction posts for part-time daily wage sweepers working at a postal office. The respondents, contingent-paid part-time sweepers working 4-5 hours daily for 20+ years, sought permanent absorption. The Court held that part-time contingent employees cannot claim regularization in the absence of sanctioned posts and that the High Court cannot mandate policy formulation or post creation—matters solely within Executive discretion. However, the relief already granted (minimum basic pay for those with 20 years service) remained unaffected per the interim order issued at notice stage. The appeals were allowed.
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