GATIWEB Challenges Maharashtra's Salary Disbursement Policy. Upholding State Policy in Salary Disbursement for Aided Technical Institutions


Summary of Judgement

A legal challenge by GATIWEB against Clause No.10 of a Maharashtra Government Resolution (GR) regarding salary disbursement in aided technical institutions. GATIWEB argues that the clause, implementing HTE-Sevarth Pranali, reduces employee salary entitlement arbitrarily. The court ultimately upholds the legality of Clause No.10, citing historical policies and the state's discretion in grant-in-aid disbursement.

  1. Background and Petitioner's Argument

    • GATIWEB challenges Clause No.10 of GR dated 21.08.2015.
    • Seeks mandamus for releasing 100% salary through HTE-Sevarth Pranali.
  2. Petitioner's Contention

    • Registered under Bombay Public Trust Act, representing aided technical institution employees.
    • Alleges arbitrary reduction from 100% to 90% salary without provision for the remaining 10%.
  3. Government's Response

    • GRs from 1978 provide for 90% grant-in-aid subject to fund availability.
    • HTE-Sevarth Pranali aims at efficient salary disbursal without curtailing existing rights.
  4. Legal Arguments

    • Interpretations of past government resolutions and policies since 1978.
    • Petitioner argues for 100% salary entitlement; respondents defend policy modernization.
  5. Court's Analysis and Conclusion

    • Review of historical policies and HTE-Sevarth Pranali's impact.
    • Finds state actions lawful; dismisses arbitrariness claims.
    • Upholds legality of Clause No.10 of GR dated 21.08.2015.

Case Title: Government Aided Technical Institutes Employees Welfare Board (GATIWEB), Through its Secretary Versus State of Maharashtra Ors.

Citation: 2024 Lawtext (BOM) (6) 104

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO.10874 OF 2017

Advocate(s): Mr. V. D. Hon, Senior Advocate i/by Mr. A. V. Hon, Advocate for the Petitioner. Mr. P. S. Patil, Addl. GP for Respondent Nos.1 and 2., Mr. S. S. Rathi, Advocate for Respondent Nos.4, 6, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44 and 46. Mr. Rajendra Deshmukh, Senior Advocate a/w Mr. Joy Veer i/by Mr. A. P. Bakkad, Advocate for Respondent Nos.5, 7, 9, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 37, 39, 41 and 45. Mr. A. R. Joshi, Advocate for Respondent No.35.

Date of Decision: 2024-06-10