( 1 ) THIS matter was called out for hearing, in its turn, on 4. 10. 2007. We heard learned counsel for the petitioner. Nobody appeared on behalf of the respondent. Still, in order to give a chance, while reserving the orders, we granted one week's time to the respondent to file the written submissions. However, no written submissions are filed. In these circumstances, we are proceeding with the judgment.

( 2 ) THE controversy involved in this petition revolves on a narrow campus. Before we delineate the issue involved and answer the same, we would like to take stock of the factual matrix.

( 3 ) THE petitioner joined his services as Production Assistant with the director General, All India Radio, way back in the year 1962. He was promoted as Programme Executive in February 1992 and retired on the said post with effect from 30. 4. 1996 (on attaining the age of superannuation ). He was drawing his pay in the pay-scale of Rs. 6500-10500 at the time of his retirement. Almost three years after his retirement, the respondents issued orders dated 25. 2. 1999 revising the pay-scale of Programme Executives to Rs. 7500-12000. This revision was retrospective, i. e. with eff