S.R. Roy, J. - (1.) However strong may be the criticism for delay in disposal of cases, it was at least necessary for this writ application filed under Article 226 of the Constitution to add a few years to its age to see that what was once merely a Directive Principle of State Policy has matured into a fundamental right under Article 14 of the Constitution.
(2.) It was in 1980 that the petitioners came forward with the instant application demanding equal pay for equal work after having failed in their attempt to evoke any response from the State and now in 1986 when the matter has come up for hearing, a host of judicial decisions have emerged laying down very firmly that where all relevant considerations are the same, persons holding identical posts and discharging similar duties should not be treated differently. And now to the facts :
(3.) The petitioners are Assistant Operators in the River-lift Irrigation Scheme under the Directorate of Agricultural Engineering in the scale of Rs. 145-3-205-230. Academically their qualifications vary from School Final to Arts and Science Graduates.;