CWP(T) No. 4855 of 2008 (OA 113/98) 20.04.2010 Present: Mr. Bhuvnesh Sharma, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. R. K. Sharma, Sr. Addl. Advocate General with Mr. R. M. Bisht, Deputy Advocate General for respondents According to the petitioner his pay initially fixed in the scale of Rs. 1640 – 2925 stands reduced and refixed in the pay scale of Rs. 1500 – 2640. This has been done without affording any opportunity of hearing to him. The fact that opportunity was not afforded to him has not been disputed by the State. Even the reply is conspicuously silent about the same though it is admitted that the pay scale stands reduced. In this view of the matter action taken by the respondents in refixing the pay in the reduced scale is illegal. Principles of natural justice stands violated. My attention has been invited by Mr. R. K. Sharma, learned Sr. Addl. A.G. to the decision dated 18.3.2010 passed by the Hon’ble Division Bench of this Court in CWP No. 5018 of 2009, titled as Kamlesh Kumari versus State of H.P. and others. Copy of which is taken on record. Without going into the merits of the matter, action taken by the respondents in reducing the pay scale is quashed. Respondents are directed to refix the pay, in accordance with law, after affording due opportunity of hearing/representation to the petitioner. The date of hearing shall be communicated by the respondents to the petitioner within a period of four weeks from today and decision shall positively be taken within four weeks from the date fixed for hearing. Needless to add the respondents shall pass a reasoned order which shall be communicated to the petitioner. -2- With the aforesaid observations the present petition stands disposed of. Dasti copy. (Sanjay Karol), Judge. April 20, 2010 (PK)