J U D G M E N T

1.Heard.

2.The petitioners have filed the present writ petition challenging the order passed by the 2^nd respondent, the Chief Engineer (Personnel), TANGEDCO, whereby the said officer informed them that they were not entitled to claim back wages, though they would be extended all attendant benefits with effect from 22.11.2011 in the pay band of Rs. 5,460–20,200 with a Grade Pay of Rs. 1,910, pursuant to the fixation of pay. The petitioners contend that they are similarly situated to one V. Vasu, who had raised an industrial dispute before the Labour Court, Salem, in I.D. No. 96 of 2013, which culminated in an award dated 26.11.2015 granting relief. It is their case that they are equally entitled to the same benefits as were extended to the said V. Vasu.

3.It is seen that the four petitioners, along with three other similarly placed part-time conservancy workers, approached the Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, Salem, seeking conferment of permanent status on the ground that they had each completed 480 days of service within a period of 24 calendar months and were therefore entitled to be made permanent in terms of the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Establish