CWP(T) No. 6386 of 2008 2.08.2010 Present: Mr. Ranjan Sharma, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. R. K. Sharma, Senior Additional Advocate General with Mr. Vivek Thakur, Add. Advocate General for the respondents/State. Admittedly the petitioner was offered appointment for the post of Language Teacher in the pay scale of Rs. 1640 – 2925. It is also evident from office order dated 29.6.1989 (Annexure A-4). The petitioner is essentially aggrieved of the fact that the said pay scale stands reduced to Rs. 1500 – 2640 w.e.f. 25.3.1991. It is his grievance that prior to taking such action no show cause notice was ever issued to the petitioner or opportunity of hearing afforded. This fact cannot be disputed from the record either. 2. In terms of office order dated 2.7.1998 (Annexure A-8) recovery of the amount disbursed to the petitioner in the higher pay scale is sought to be affected. Even this annexure has not been addressed to the petitioner. It is certificate issued by the Headmaster, Govt. High School, Tour Khola, Distt. Mandi, H.P. 3. The reduction of pay scale entails civil consequences. Hence it was incumbent upon the respondent/authorities to have fully complied with the principles of natural justice. As such the impugned action of the Government in reducing the pay scale and affecting recovery of arrears is quashed. Liberty however is granted to the respondents for taking appropriate action in accordance with law after affording due opportunity of hearing to the petitioner. It may also be pointed out that the respondents, as so claimed by the petitioner, have accorded benefits of higher pay scale to similarly situated -2- persons. While taking such decision the respondent/authorities shall take this factor into account. It is open for the petitioner to place additional material before the appropriate authorities in the proceedings if initiated against the petitioner. 4. With the aforesaid observations the present petition stands disposed of. (Sanjay Karol), Judge. August 2, 2010 (PK)