JUDGMENT

Arijit Pasayat, J.-C.A. Nos. 6651-6654/2000, 6655/2000, 6656/2000, 6657/2000 SLP (C) Nos. 6820/2001 6518-2001, C.A. Nos. 181-182/2002

Leave granted in SLP (C) Nos. 6820/2001 and 6581, 6521/2001.

2. Since these appeals have some similarity so far as pivotal issues are concerned, are, therefore, disposed of by this common judgment.

3. Several writ petitions were filed by the respondents herein before the Kerala High Court seeking declaration about their entitlement to receive pension and dearness relief at enhanced rates in par with the employees of the State Government. They were employees of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the Corporation) which is the appellant in all these appeals. Though the reliefs sought for were not exactly identical, by the impugned judgment four appeals were disposed of by a Division Bench of the High Court. Two of the writ appeals were filed by the writ petitioners, while two were filed by the Corporation.

4. The Corporation was formed on 1-4-1965; some persons who were then employed with State Transport Department were absorbed by the Corporation; their service conditions were protected vide Notification No. 49