Ex-Servicemen Decry Pay Disparity in Civil Services Post-Retirement

The Supreme Court refused a plea by ex-servicemen challenging pay-fixation rules for veterans joining civil services post-retirement. They claim the framework unfairly penalizes them, forcing them to start at minimum pay despite extensive military service. The dispute highlights issues of pay parity and equal treatment under Article 14 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has declined to review a plea submitted by ex-servicemen challenging the current pay-fixation rules for veterans who join civil services. The petitioners argue that the rules unfairly penalize former military personnel by placing them at the minimum pay level in new roles despite their extensive service experience.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay to present the concerns to the appropriate authorities for consideration. The court noted that petitioners, should they remain dissatisfied, could escalate their grievances to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) for further adjudication.

Filed by Baidya Nath Choudhary and others, the plea highlights that the pay rules ignore years of military experience, resulting in a detrimental financial situation for veterans transitioning to civilian government roles. The petitioners, with two decades of service, demand equal treatment under Article 14 of the Constitution, highlighting disparities in pay protection provided by various departments.

(With inputs from agencies.)