J U D G M E N T

Dated this the 29^th day of January, 2026 The petitioner, who is working under the Plantation Corporation of Kerala Limited, has filed this writ petition seeking to quash Ext.P3 and to direct the 2^nd respondent to implement Ext.P2 immediately in the Plantation Corporation of Kerala Limited.

2. The petitioner submits that the Plantation Corporation has taken a decision to enhance the retirement age of its employees from 58 to 60, as is evident from Ext.P2. The matter is pending consideration before the Government. The Government has not taken a final decision. In the meanwhile, if the service of the petitioner is terminated, the petitioner will be put to untold hardship.

3. The petitioner would urge that even though Plantation Corporation is under the Agricultural Department, the wages of Plantation workers are decided by the Plantation Labour Committee. The salary is also fixed on the basis of settlements. The petitioner is not paid wages comparable to the wages paid to the Government employees. Therefore, it would be only just and proper that the workers like the petitioner are permitted to continue in service till 60 years of age.

4. Standing Counsel entered appearanc