IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWP No. 15443 of 2024 Decided on: 24^th February, 2026.

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State of H.P. & Ors. …..Petitioners Versus Binu Ram .....Respondent ------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------

Coram f Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua Whether approved for reporting?1 For the Petitioners: Ms. Seema Sharma, Deputy Advocate General.

For the Respondent: Ms. Tanu Sharma, Advocate.

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Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge Learned counsel for the respondent submits that in light of the im pugned order passed by the learned Appellate Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, the respondent does not intend to file any separate reply to the writ petition and will reiterate the findings recorded in the impugned order.

In view of the above, and with the consent of learned counsel for the parties, the matter has accordingly been heard at this stage.

2. The respondent was employed as a daily wage Chowkidar with the petitioners–Forest Department in the year 1998.

Wh