JUDGMENT

Kapadia, J.-The short question which arises for determination in this civil appeal is - whether the revised pay-scales of skilled and semi-skilled staff working in the Printing and Stationary department were applicable w.e.f. 1.1.1986 (when IIIrd Punjab Pay Commission gave its report) or w.e.f. 14.2.1989 when the State Government issued its notification implementing the recommendations of the Pay Commission.

2. The facts lie within narrow compass. Respondents herein joined the service as Assistants before 1978. Subsequently, they were promoted as Supervisors. On 1.1.1986, report was submitted by the IIIrd Punjab Pay Commission which was accepted by the Government enacting Punjab Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules under which the pay of supervisor was fixed in the grade of Rs. 1500-2450. Respondents made a representation pointing that a serious anomaly had arisen on account of failure to prescribe a proper pay scale for the said post. The said matter was referred to Anomaly Committee. Realising its mistake, the government fixed the pay scale of the supervisor in the grade of Rs. 2000-3500 w.e.f. 28.3.1989. Aggrieved, respondents herein filed Civil Writ Petition No. 1383 of 199