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The matter pertains to Murtaza Anjum & Ors vs. Union Territory of J&K & Ors, of PWD (R&B) Division Rajouri of Peer Panjal Zone, wherein the petitioners challenged the unlawful reduction of wages from their entitled categories (Skilled, Semi-Skilled, Highly Skilled, Ministerial) to the lowest wage bracket of 311/day, meant only for unskilled workers. Advocate Aftab Ahmed Mir and Advocate Karan Prasher represented the Petitioners.
The case of the petitioners was that they were receiving wages according to the classification of labour under S.O. 513 dated 12-10-2022, issued by the Labour and Employment Department, wherein wages were prescribed for Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled, Highly Skilled, and Administrative/Ministerial categories. The said S.O. was implemented in the PW(R&B) Department vide endorsement No. CEJ/Legal/25316-42 dated 25-02-2023 and the petitioners accordingly started receiving wages as per revised rates as defined under S.O. 513.
However, by virtue of Communication No. CEP/R&B/2024-25/11724-39 dated 20-03-2025 and Communication No. PWD-ACCT/104/2023 dated 19-03-2025, the petitionerâs wages were arbitrarily reduced to a uniform rate of Rs. 311/- per day, wrongly relying upon Government Order No. 32-F of 2023 dated 21-02-2023, which pertains exclusively to Unskilled Workers.
The case was listed before the Bench of Honâble Member (Judicial) Mr. Rajinder Singh Dogra and Honâble Member (Administrative) Mr. Ram Mohan Johri, who granted interim relief to the petitioner by directing the PW(R&B) department to continue paying wages to the petitioners as per revised wages as provided under SO 513 dated 12-10-2022.
