Relief granted to a set of employees, similarly situated counterparts must not be compelled to litigate for identical reliefs

Punjab & Haryana High Court Upholds 3rd Promotional Increment for Long-Serving Employees of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited Court Orders Establishment of Empowered Committee to Resolve Long-Standing Increment Dispute, Citing Judicial Consistency and Public Policy

Chandigarh, October 30, 2025 - In a significant judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the entitlement of employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to a third promotional increment upon completing 23 years of service. This decision brings closure to a long-standing dispute that had seen multiple rounds of litigation, despite the issue being previously settled in various judicial pronouncements.

The court, presided over by Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, emphasized the principle of stare decisis, underscoring the importance of consistency and predictability in law. It criticized the repeated need for litigation, which burdens the judicial system and contravenes the constitutional goal of equality. "Once a competent court has granted relief, similarly situated employees must not be compelled to litigate for identical reliefs," Justice Brar stated.

The court noted that the entitlement to the promotional increment had been categorically declared in several earlier judgments, including those in Om Parkash Dua v. Punjab State Electricity Board and Pritpal Singh v. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. The court reiterated that the state, as a model employer, must implement judicial directions promptly to prevent repetitive litigation.

In line with the Punjab Dispute Resolution & Litigation Policy, 2020, the judgment directed the formation of an Empowered Committee to adjudicate the claims of the petitioners and similarly situated employees. This committee is tasked with providing a fair hearing and delivering a reasoned decision within three months.

The court's directive aims to decongest the judiciary and foster good governance by minimizing unnecessary litigation. It also serves to uphold the public's trust in the justice delivery system by ensuring that judicial mandates are respected and implemented efficiently.

The judgment further criticized the state's administrative indifference and inertia, which have led to a breakdown in the implementation of court orders. The court expressed hope that the Empowered Committee's establishment would bring finality to the issue, preventing it from recurring in the future.

This decision marks a victory for the employees of PSPCL, who have been seeking justice for their due entitlements. It also serves as a reminder to governmental bodies of their obligations to act fairly and in accordance with established judicial precedents.

Bottom Line:

Entitlement of employees to 3rd promotional increment on completion of 23 years of service, upheld in light of judicial precedents and executive circulars.

Statutory provision(s):  

• - Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India
• - Punjab Dispute Resolution & Litigation Policy, 2020

Roshan Lal v. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2804076