J U D G M E N T

Dated this the 27^th day of January, 2026 The petitioners state that they are working as Senior Assistants / Cashier in the Kerala State Electricity Board. Petitioners 1 to 4 initially entered into service in the post of Office Attendant Grade-II with effect from 21.12.1994, 15.12.1994, 19.12.1994 and 19.12.1994 respectively, under the Compassionate Employment Scheme. Since there was no regular vacancies to appoint the petitioners, they were temporarily appointed as CLR workers. The petitioners were given increments and other service benefits with effect from the date of their appointment as CLR worker.

2. Later, audit objection was raised with respect to the payment of such benefits. The said matter was decided by a settlement in the year 2007 between the 1^st respondent and its employees. As per sub-clause 23 of Clause F of Article X of the Settlement Agreement, it was agreed that the actual period of CLR service with respect to the employees appointed under Compassionate Appointment Scheme will be reckoned as qualifying service for the purpose of increments, weightage and other service benefits. Even though in settlement agreement it is stated that the CLR service