J.S.Khehar, J. - (1.) The solitary contention of the learned counsel for the petitioners, in the instant writ petition, is that ever since the appointment of the petitioners, through an order dated 20.4.1998, the petitioners have not been released any annual increment whatsoever, despite the fact that work and conduct of the petitioners, all through has been found satisfactory.
(2.) Learned counsel for the petitioners has also invited our attention to the letter of appointment of the petitioners, one of which has been placed on the record of this case as Annexure P-1, which reveals that the petitioners were appointed as Medical Officers in the pay scale of Rs.2200-70-2550-75- 3000-100-4000, with an initial start of Rs.2270/-. As against the claim of the learned counsel for petitioners, the solitary contention of the learned counsel for the respondents is based upon the averments made in paragraph 12 of the joint written statement, filed on behalf of respondentsno.1 to 11 and 13, wherein it is stated as under :- "That the contents of Para 12 are admitted to the extent that Govt. has notified the pay scale of different categories vide notification no.7-1-97-FP2/17370 dated 19-5-98 and allowing Medical Officers Fortier pay scale 4, 9 & 14 yrs. of regular services with further guide lines issued vide letter dated 17-4-2000 (Annexure P-6), but this Hon'ble High Court was pleased to pass following order on 29-4-2002 in Civil Writ Petition No.6615 of 2002 titled as common cause forum v/s State of Punjab & others relating to officer/officials during the tenure of Sh.Ravinder Pal Singh Sidhu. "With a view to avoid further complications, we direct the Government of Punjab and its functionaries not to confirm in service any of the officers/employees appointed on the recommendations of the Punjab Public Service Commission during the tenure of Sh.Ravinder Pal Singh Sidhu."
(3.) As such the services of the petitioners have not been confirmed & are not entitled for increments before clearing of probation periods and are not entitled for placement in high scale." Additionally, learned counsel for the respondents has invited our attention to Annexure R-II, which reads as under :- "Administrative Department is advised as under regarding this matter. Para-1 Administrative Departments attention is invited towards Personnel department instruction No.15/83/2002/2PP3/5351 dated 10.5.2002. In light of these instructions order regarding clearing of probation of the Officials/Officers appointed during the tenure of Sh.Ravinder Pal Singh Sidhu, Chairman PPSC are not yet to be issued. Para-2 So far as the question of reviewing the record regarding clearing of probation is concerned as clause of rule 7.3 of the Punjab Civil Services (General & Common Conditions of Services) Rule 1994 record should be `Satisfactory' instructions for placement in higher scale that 50% record should be `Good' are not applicable in case of clearing the probation.";