Authority: High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi
Order Date: 09 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Baijnath Ray (aged ~65, resident of Karma Path, Dela Toli, Bariatu, Ranchi) and Kamal Chandra Jha (aged ~65, resident of Hamidganj Ward No.4, Medininagar, Palamu).
- Respondents: The State of Jharkhand (through Principal Secretary, Dept. of Higher, Technical Education & Skill Development), the Director of Higher Education, Nilamber‑Pitamber University (through its Registrar, Vice‑Chancellor and Registrar).
- Nature of proceeding: Writ Petition (W.P.(S). No. 1033 of 2025) seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing payment of salary arrears for the period 01‑01‑1996 to 31‑03‑2000 under the 5th Pay Fixation, which allegedly remain unpaid despite regularisation of services by Ranchi University pursuant to Supreme Court judgment dated 12‑10‑2004 (Civil Appeal No. 6098 of 1997).
- Petitioners allege that despite the Supreme Court direction, the arrears have not been paid.
- Respondents contend that no counter‑affidavit has been filed and therefore the petitioners should file a fresh representation before the respondents for redressal.
- The Court notes the fair submissions of both sides and decides to treat the writ application as a representation rather than a direct mandamus order.
Final Outcome
- The Court disposes of the writ by directing the Registrar of Nilamber‑Pitamber University to treat the application as a representation and to take a decision in accordance with law and applicable rules within 12 weeks from receipt/production of the copy of this order.
- If the Registrar finds the petitioners' case suitable, it shall recommend the matter to the State of Jharkhand, which shall take a necessary decision within a further period of 4 weeks.
- The writ application is thus disposed of in the manner indicated.
Topics: Salary Arrears, Higher Education Employment