Court Condones Delay in Himachal Pay Dispute

Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 12-10-2026

Case Overview

• Petition: Special Leave Petition (Civil) Diary No. 36891/2026, arising from impugned judgment and order dated 25‑03‑2026 in CWP No. 451/2019 of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
• Parties: Himachal Pradesh State Co‑operative Department Non‑gazetted Employees Association (petitioner) vs State of Himachal Pradesh & others (respondents).
• Counsel for petitioner: Senior Counsel Abhinav Mukerji, assisted by Nishant Kumar (AOR) and a team of advocates.
• Core issue: Alleged discrimination in pay‑scales between Inspector (Audit) and Junior Auditors within the State’s co‑operative department.
• Court composition: Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli.

Final Outcome

• The Court condoned the delay in refiling/curing defects of the petition.
• Issued a notice to the State, returnable on 04 January 2027.
• Directed the State to file a counter‑statement solely clarifying the pay‑scale discrimination aspect.

Topics: Pay Scale Discrimination, Judicial Review