J U D G M E N T

1. The present appeal has been filed challenging the Judgment dated 20th October, 2023 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(C) 1125/2022 by which the underlying writ petition filed on behalf of the appellant has been dismissed. The writ petition had been filed by the appellant praying for a direction to the respondents to allow the appellant to switch over from Contributory Provident Fund Scheme (“CPF Scheme”) to Gratuity-Cum- Provident Fund Scheme (“GPF Scheme”). Since the said prayer has not been granted by the learned Single Judge, the present appeal has been filed.

2. The facts of the case in brief, are as follows:

2.1 The appellant was initially appointed as „Scientist B‟ with National Physics Laboratory (“NPL”)/ respondent no.2 on probation for a period of two years w.e.f. 02nd December, 1988. Subsequently, the service of the appellant was confirmed on the same post by respondent no.2 w.e.f. 01st December, 1990.

2.2 In pursuance to Circular of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (“CSIR”)/ respondent no.3 dated 25th January, 1999, the appellant opted for CPF Scheme while employed with the respondent no.2 vide his option dated 30th March, 1999.

2.3 Th