IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. CWP(T) No.: 7317 of 2008. Decided on: 09.12.2010. _________________________________________________________ Dharam Dass. … Petitioner. Versus Financial Commissioner and others. … Respondents. Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajiv Sharma, J. Whether approved for reporting?1 No. For the Petitioner : None. For the Respondents : Mr. P.M. Negi Deputy Advocate General with Mr. R.P. Singh, Assistant Advocate General. Rajiv Sharma, J.(Oral): The case of the petitioner, in a nutshell, is that though he had been working as Panchayat Chowkidar, he has not been paid the retrial/pensionary benefits. The case of the respondent-State precisely is that the petitioner was engaged as Panchayat Chowkidar in the concerned Panchayat and he is not the Government employee. His services were terminated by the concerned Gram Panchayat vide resolution dated 5.7.1993 since he had remained willfully absent from May, 1992 and secondly he had attained the age of more than 70 years. According to Pariwar Register his date of birth was 1921. In these circumstances he could not be retained even by the Panchayat beyond 60 years. Chowkidars appointed in Gram Panchayats are not entitled to 1 Whether the reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment? No. - 2 - any pensionary benefits since they are engaged on part time basis and are paid honorarium by the respective Gram Panchayats. The Panchayat Chowkidars are not Government employees. 2. Accordingly, in view of the observations made hereinabove, there is no merit in this petition and the same is dismissed, so also the pending application(s), if any. However, if the petitioner is still aggrieved, he can make a representation to the competent authority. No costs. (Rajiv Sharma), Judge. December 09, 2010. (sck).