JUDGMENT : (Vaibhavi D. Nanavati, J.) 1. Since issue involved in all the captioned petitions is selfsame, are heard analogously and are being disposed of by this common order. For the sake of convenience, Special Civil Application No.13916 of 2015 is treated as the lead matter. 1.1 The petitioners in the Special Civil Application No.13916 of 2015 have prayed for the following reliefs: “23. Since issue involved in all the captioned petitions is selfsame, are heard analogously and are being disposed of by this common order. For the sake of convenience, Special Civil Application No.13916 of 2015 is treated as the lead matter. 1.1 The petitioners in the Special Civil Application No.13916 of 2015 have prayed for the following reliefs: “23. The petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that this Hon’ble Court be pleased to – A) admit this petition; B) issue appropriate writ, order or direction and be pleased to quash and set aside the illegal, illogical, discriminatory and arbitrary action of the concerned respondent authorities of subjecting the Members of the petitioner no.1 Association – Gram Sevaks by applying the pay scale of 4500-7000 as a Higher Pay Scale (on completion of 9 years service on or after 1/1/1996) and other similarly situated Gram Sevaks (who have completed 9 years service on or before 1/1/1996) have been placed in the pay scale of 5000-8000 and therefore, the action of the respondent authorities of subjecting the category of Gram Sevaks who are placed in the pay scale of 4500-7000 may be quashed and set aside and the same may be declared as illegal, illogical, arbitrary, discriminatory, violative of Article -14 and 16 of the Constitution of India; C) issue appropriate writ, order or direction and be pleased to direct the respondent authorities to apply the Scale/Higher Pay Scale of 5000- 8000 to the Gram Servaks – Members of the petitioner no.1 Association who have completed 9 years services on or after 1/1/1996 and the respondents be directed to apply the aforesaid correct pay scale of 5000- 8000 and the same may be made applicable to all the Gram Sevaks who have completed 9 years of service on or after 1/1/1996 and difference of salary/difference of pay scale and other consequential benefits be ordered to be paid with 12% interest, and the pay scale of 5000-8000 may be ordered to be made applicable from the date of completion of 9 years services in the cadre of Gram Sevaks after 1/1/1996 and all consequential benefits be ordered to be paid with 12% interest; D) issue appropriate writ, order or direction and be pleased to quash and set aside the G.R. dated 7/12/2013 as the same is illegal, illogical, violative of Article-14 and 16 of the Constitution of India and violative of Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998 and be pleased to direct the Government Authorities to modify the same to the extent that the same provides incorrect Higher Pay Scale i.e. pay scale of 4500-7000 and the same may be ordered to be modified and the Government Authorities be directed to prescribe the correct Higher Pay Scale of 5000- 8000 against the pay scale of 4000-6000 and to the aforesaid extent only the said G.R. dated 7/12/2013 may be ordered to be quashed and set aside; E) issue appropriate writ, order or direction and be pleased to quash and set aside the communication dated 5/1/2015 as the same is non-speaking communication/order issued by respondent authorities upon the representation dated 10/12/2013, and the respondents be directed to reconsider the representation dated 10/12/2013 and the respondent authorities be directed to take appropriate decision upon the representation dated 10/12/2013 after giving reasonable opportunity of hearing to the Office Bearers of the petitioner no.1 association and the respondents be directed to reconsider the said representation as expeditiously as possible in the interest of justice and the respondents be directed to pass detailed reasoned order after hearing the concerned office bearers/gram sevaks; F) issue appropriate writ, order or direction and be pleased to quash and set aside the G.R. dated 14/8/1998 as the same is violative of Article- 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India and violative of Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998; ALTERNATIVELY G) issue appropriate writ order or direction and be pleased to direct the respondent authorities to consider and decide the application/representations and the aforesaid representations preferred by the petitioner no.1 Association may be ordered to be considered and decided by giving reasonable opportunity of hearing to the Office bearers of petitioner no.1 Association and the same may be considered and decided as expeditiously as possible; H) grant interim relief and by way of interim relief be pleased to direct the respondent authorities to consider and decide the representations Annexure – J Collectively after giving reasonable opportunity of hearing to the Office Bearers of petitioner no.1 Association pending admission and final disposal of this petition; I) grant further interim relief and by way of interim order be pleased to direct the respondent authorities to consider and decide the representation dated 10/12/2013 pending admission and final decision of this petition; J) pass such orders as thought fit in the interest of justice.” 2. The petitioner No.1 in Special Civil Application No.13916 of 2015 is a registered Association recognized and approved by the State of Gujarat having its registration No.PR.R.1075- 6304-YA dated 21.09.1978. The petitioner No.1 Association represents its members who are serving under the respondent No.1 in various Taluka & Gram Panchayats in the State of Gujarat. The petitioner No.1 – Association is represented by its President Ranjitsinh M. Matieda. The petitioner Nos.2 to 5 are Gram Sevak whose names and details are annexed in tabular form at Annexure – A to the petition; having been appointed under the Recruitment Rules published by the Government of Gujarat in the pay scale of 1200-2040 upon fulfilling all the eligibility criteria seeking 1st higher pay scale as per the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 i.e. the petitioners became eligible to get the 1st higher pay scale prescribed in Appendix annexed to the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 as the respondent authorities have treated the post of Gram Sevaks as solitary post (Ekanki post in Gujarati) though, as per the Appendix annexed to the same, such category of Gram Sevaks who have been appointed after 01.01.1996 became eligible and entitled to get the pay scale of 1400-2600 though, the said pay scale was already made applicable, the corresponding revised pay scale as per the 5th pay revision rules which is prescribed under relevant Government Resolution is 5000-8000, the petitioners are subjected to injustice and therefore, it is prayed that all the Gram Sevaks who are members of the petitioner No.1 – Association and who have been granted the 1st higher pay scale of 4500-7000 be ordered to be given the 1st higher pay scale of 5000-8000 as per appendix annexed to the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 and suitable directions be issued for all the consequential benefits, difference of salary to be paid at the rate of 12% interest. 2.1 The members of the petitioner No.1 – Association and the petitioners in other cognate petitions serving in various Gram Panchayats in 7 Districts namely Valsad, Dang, Vadodara, Kheda, Anand, Amreli and Kutchh have already been granted higher pay scale of 5000-8000 considering the communication/ office order/directives dated 18.04.2012 issued by the Finance Department as well as considering the Circular dated 25.06.2012 issued by the respondent No.1 and considering the clarificatory Office Order dated 27.09.2012 issued by the concerned authorities however, on the basis of Circular/G.R. dated 07.12.2013, the respondent authorities issued instructions to all the concerned District Development Officers of the aforesaid 7 Districts to effect recovery of higher pay scale and the decision was taken to cancel the higher pay scale of 5000-8000 in the said Districts as the same was decided to be withdrawn and in place of the same, the respondent authorities have decided to apply higher pay scale on 4500-7000. The aforesaid decision effecting recovery as referred above deserves to be quashed and set aside and the respondents be restrained from effecting recoveries from the salary of Gram Sevaks/Members of the petitioner No.1 – Association serving in the said 7 District Panchayats. 3. Heard Mr. N.K. Majmudar, learned advocate appearing for the petitioners, Ms. Nidhi Vyas, learned AGP appearing for the respondent – State and Mr. Premal Joshi, learned advocate for Mr. H.S. Munshaw, learned advocate appearing for the respondent Nos.3 and 4 in Special Civil Application No.15095 of 2015. 4. Mr. N.K. Majmudar, learned advocate appearing for the petitioners, relied on the contentions raised in the captioned petitions and submitted that the respondent authorities be directed to apply the correct higher pay scale of 5000-8000 to all the Gram Sevaks who are members of the petitioner No.1 – Association upon completion of 9 years of service. It is submitted that in an identical issue for applicability of higher pay scale in respect of Craft Instructors/Supervisor Inspectors serving under the State of Gujarat i.e. under various Industrial Training Institutes, petitions came to be filed and ultimately, resolutions/notifications came to be issued extending the benefit of 1st higher pay scale upon completion of 9 years duly produced at page 122, Annexure – F colly. 4.1 Mr. 4.1 Mr. Majmudar, learned advocate, submitted that the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 provides for scheme of granting the benefit of higher pay scale upon completion of 9, 18 and 27 years of service wherein, the pay scale prescribed for the post of Gram Sevaks was 1200-2040 and the higher pay scale provided under the said Government Resolution in respect of the pay scale was 1400-2600. In view thereof, the higher pay scale for Gram Sevaks being 1400-2600 and upon completion of 9 years of service in the cadre of Gram Sevak as also upon remaining in the pay scale of 1200-2040, the petitioners became eligible to the pay scale of 1400-2600. It is submitted that the aforesaid post is of an isolated cadre and therefore, the higher pay scale would mean higher pay scale prescribed in Appendix – I of the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 as per Clause – 3(8) of the said Government Resolution. 4.2 Mr. Majmudar, learned advocate, submitted that on the basis of recommendations of 4th pay commission as per the 1986 revision pay rules, the pay scale prescribed for the post of Gram Sevak was 1200-2040. The State of Gujarat – respondent No.1 herein accepted the recommendations made by the 5th pay commission and revised pay scale came to be applied upon publication of the Resolution dated 07.01.1998 duly produced at Annexure – C. It is submitted that in the said Government Resolution, the pay scale of Gram Sevak was shown at Sr. No.10 i.e. 1200-30-1560-40-2040 and the corresponding revised pay scale prescribed in the Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998 was 4000-100-6000. It is submitted that upon implementation of the revised pay rules i.e. 6th pay revision rules, the pay scale of the Gram Sevaks was prescribed as 4000-100-6000. The revised pay scale came to be implemented with retrospective effect from 01.01.1996. In view thereof, the Gram Sevaks were placed in the pay scale of 4000-100-6000 w.e.f. 01.01.1996. 4.3 Mr. Majmudar, learned advocate, submitted that the Gram Sevaks who had completed 9 years service on 01.01.1996 i.e. on or before 01.01.1996, were given the revised pay scale of 4000-6000. The Gram Sevaks who had completed 9 years of services in the cadre of Gram Sevaks, were given higher pay scale of 4500-7000. 4.3 Mr. Majmudar, learned advocate, submitted that the Gram Sevaks who had completed 9 years service on 01.01.1996 i.e. on or before 01.01.1996, were given the revised pay scale of 4000-6000. The Gram Sevaks who had completed 9 years of services in the cadre of Gram Sevaks, were given higher pay scale of 4500-7000. Thus, the Gram Sevaks who had completed 9 years of service on 01.01.1996 were given dual benefits i.e. against the pay scale of scale to scale basis considering the revised pay scale against higher pay scale of 1400-2600, which came to be revised to the pay scale of 5000-8000. Such Gram Sevaks were placed in the pay scale of 5000-8000. It is submitted that the Gram Sevaks who had not completed 9 years in the cadre of Gram Sevaks, who are already serving as Gram Sevaks, were placed in the pay scale of 4000-6000 which was revised as per 5th pay revision w.e.f. 01.01.1996. It is submitted that the petitioners herein though, identically placed as uniform pay scale was made applicable to the Gram Sevaks who had completed 9 years as on 01.01.1996 as well as the Gram Sevaks who had not completed 9 years of service as on 01.01.1996, both the categories of Gram Sevaks were given revised pay scale of 4000-6000 against the pre-revised pay scale of 1200-2040 as per 5th pay revision. 4.4 Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that the grievance of the petitioner No.1- Association is to the effect that the Gram Sevaks who have completed 9 years of service in the cadre of Gram Sevaks and in the pay scale of 4000- 6000, are required to be granted the corresponding higher pay scale of 5000-8000 however, surprisingly, the respondent authorities subjected such category of Gram Sevaks, who completed 9 years of service, in the pay scale of 4500-7000. 4.5 Mr. 4.5 Mr. Majmudar, learned advocate, submitted that the respondent No.1 published Resolution dated 07.12.2013 wherein, it is decided that as per the Appendix – I annexed to the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998, the corresponding pay scale against the pay scale of 4000-6000 would be 4500-7000 however, the same is erroneous considering that the issue relating to the higher pay scale as Appendix- I annexed to the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 is irrelevant; as Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 and the Appendix- I thereto is in respect of the pay scale and revised pay scale and the same does not provide the corresponding higher pay scale against the prescribed pay scale. Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that the Gram Sevaks in the pay scale of 1200-2040 (before 5th pay revision) were provided higher pay scale of 1400-2600 as per Clause – 10 of the Appendix – I of the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 and the said pay scale of 1200-2040 was revised to 4000-6000 as per 5th pay revision and higher pay scale of 1400-2600 was given the revised pay scale of 5000- 8000 on scale to scale basis as per the 5th pay revision of pay rules. 4.6 Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that it is well settled proposition of law that the statutory rules would prevail over the administrative instructions/resolutions. It is submitted that considering the scale to scale revision as per the Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998, the revised pay scale of 5000-8000 which is a revised pay scale on 1400-2600 came to be prescribed under the statutory rules i.e. the Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998 and in view thereof, the revision of pay rules would always prevail over the said Government Resolution and therefore, the members of the petitioner No.1 – Association, Gram Sevaks would be entitled to the pay scale of 5000-8000 as per the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998, cannot be considered by the respondent authorities but, the respondent authorities have to consider the revision/scale/pay scale on the scale to scale basis. Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that the prayers, as prayed for, in the present petition be allowed. 5. Ms. Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that the prayers, as prayed for, in the present petition be allowed. 5. Ms. Nidhi Vyas, learned AGP appearing for the respondent Nos.1 and 2, relied on the affidavit-in-reply filed by the respondent No.1 and submitted that when the scheme of higher pay scale was introduced by the State Government from 01.08.1987, the post of Gram Sevak was an isolated post and there was no provision for promotion for the post of Gram Sevak. In that case, subject to the satisfaction of other conditions of the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 and 14.08.1998, the Gram Sevaks were eligible for the 1st and 2nd higher pay scale as per the standard mentioned in the Schedule – I of the said Government Resolution issued by the Finance Department. It is submitted that if the employee is entitled to higher pay scale before 01.01.1996, the Schedule – I of the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 would be applicable. If the employee is entitled to higher pay scale after 01.01.1996, the Schedule – I of the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 would be applicable. 5.1 Ms. Vyas, learned AGP, submitted that upon receipt of various representations from the Gram Sevaks, the Panchayat Department has clarified from time to time the higher pay scale; payable to the post of Gram Sevak by issuing Circular dated 25.06.2012, 27.09.2012 and the Government Resolution dated 12.07.2013 regarding the higher pay scale entitled for the post of Gram Sevak. It is clarified by the Panchayat Department that the Gram Sevak would be entitled for the higher pay scale as per the Schedule – I of the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 and 14.08.1998 and no further modification is required. It is submitted that the reply of the District Panchayat had been sent to the petitioner – Mandal by a letter dated 05.01.2015. The previous representation of the Gram Sevak has also been decided in consultation with the Finance Department. 5.2 Ms. Vyas, learned AGP, submitted that the Panchayat Department has issued final Government Resolution dated 07.12.2013 regarding sanctioning of higher scale to the State Government Employees and Gram Sevak working under the Panchayat Department vide Circular dated 25.06.2012. Despite the issuance of the various Circulars dated 25.06.2012 and 27.09.2012, there are many discrepancies with respect to the payment of higher pay scale at the district level. Despite the issuance of the various Circulars dated 25.06.2012 and 27.09.2012, there are many discrepancies with respect to the payment of higher pay scale at the district level. Some of the District Panchayats have paid higher pay scale to the Gram Sevak; not according to the standard mentioned in the Government Resolutions dated 16.08.1994 and 14.08.1998 so, the recovery of such extra amount paid to the Gram Sevak has been made by the concerned District Panchayat. The Liability of such recovery order is of the concerned District Panchayat and not of the State Government. It is submitted that the Circular dated 27.09.2012 is regarding clarification for granting higher pay scale to the Gram Sevak in which, the detailed clarification has been issued to each of the District Panchayat regarding Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 and 14.08.1998, that the higher pay scale has to be paid as per the Schedule – I of the said Government Resolution. 5.3 An affidavit-in-reply is also filed by the respondent No.1 pursuant to the order dated 19.04.2023 duly produced at page 160. Pursuant to the said order dated 19.04.2023, the petitioner made a representation to the office of the respondent No.1 herein, which has been decided by order dated 19.06.2023. The said order is duly produced at Annexure – AA1, page 162. 5.4 Further affidavit-in-reply is also filed by the respondent No.1 wherein, the contentions raised earlier are reiterated and it is submitted that the scheme of higher pay scale was governed by Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 duly produced at page 73. It is submitted that upon introduction of Revision of Pay Rules, 1998 (5th Pay Commission), the Finance Department issued the Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998 duly produced at page 107 whereby, the corresponding scales were prescribed as per the Revision of Pay Rules, 1998. As per the said Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998, the persons who were having pay scale of 1200- 2040 had corresponding pay scale of 4000-6000 (Sr. No.10) whereas, the persons who were having pay scale of 1400-2600 got revised (owing to eligible for 1st higher pay of 1400-2600 before 01.01.1996) had corresponding pay scale revised to 5000-8000. As per the said Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998, the persons who were having pay scale of 1200- 2040 had corresponding pay scale of 4000-6000 (Sr. No.10) whereas, the persons who were having pay scale of 1400-2600 got revised (owing to eligible for 1st higher pay of 1400-2600 before 01.01.1996) had corresponding pay scale revised to 5000-8000. Consequently, the revised scheme of higher pay scale was made vide Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 wherein, the revised pay scale as per the Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998 is to be considered and therefore, the persons eligible before 01.01.1996 shall be entitled for 2nd higher pay scale of 5500-9000 and the persons eligible after 01.01.1996 shall be entitled for 1st higher pay scale of 4500- 7000. Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that the captioned petitions be dismissed. 6. In rejoinder, Mr. N.K. Majmudar, learned advocate appearing for the petitioners, placed reliance on the order passed in Special Civil Application No.14790 of 2011 with Special Civil Application No.10353 of 2011 dated 03.04.2018. Reliance is also placed on the order passed in Special Civil Application No.2955 of 2010 dated 08.03.2010, Special Civil Application No.10305 of 2009 and allied matters dated 26.09.2017. It is submitted that the order passed in Special Civil Application No.2955 of 2010 was challenged before the Hon’ble Apex Court wherein, the Special Leave Petition filed by the respondent – State came to be dismissed by order dated 22.07.2011. Placing reliance on the aforesaid, Mr. Majmudar, learned advocate submitted that the petitioners herein are identically placed to the petitioners of those petitions wherein, in the facts of the said petitions, the petitioners were also granted higher pay scale of 1400-2600 upon completion of 9 years of service on 17.01.1996. The corresponding pay scale of Rs.1400-2600 in the 5th pay commission is 5000-8000. It is submitted that in view thereof, the petitioners herein are also entitled to the same pay scale and are similarly placed to those petitioners. 6.2 Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that the prayers, as prayed for, be granted. The Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 and the Government Resolution dated 07.12.2013 be held to be violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India as also, violative of Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998. 6.2 Placing reliance on the aforesaid, it is submitted that the prayers, as prayed for, be granted. The Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 and the Government Resolution dated 07.12.2013 be held to be violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India as also, violative of Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998. The respondent authorities be directed to modify the same to the extent that the same provides incorrect higher pay scale i.e. pay scale of 4500-7000 and the same be modified to the pay scale of 5000-8000 against the pay scale of 4000-6000 as also, the Government Resolution dated 07.12.2013 be quashed and set aside. 7. Mr. Premal Joshi, learned advocate appearing for the respondent Nos.3 and 4 in Special Civil Application No.15095 of 2015, submitted that it is not in dispute that the petitioners herein are Class- III employees and would be governed by the ratio laid down by Hon’ble Apex Court in case of State of Punjab vs. Rafiq Masih (whitewasher) etc., reported in AIR 2015 SC 696 . In light of the aforesaid ratio, the question of recovery effected from the petitioners herein does not arise. Analysis:- 8. Having heard the learned advocates appearing for the respective parties, it emerges that the petitioners herein are Gram Sevaks serving in various Gram Panchayats in the State of Gujarat. The said post of Gram Sevak is an isolated post (‘Akaki’ post). There is no promotional avenue qua the present petitioners herein. 8.1 The petitioners came to be appointed on the post of Gram Sevak in the pay scale of 1200-2040 as per the Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998. The said post of Gram Sevak is an isolated post (‘Akaki’ post). There is no promotional avenue qua the present petitioners herein. 8.1 The petitioners came to be appointed on the post of Gram Sevak in the pay scale of 1200-2040 as per the Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998. The Gram Sevaks who completed 9 years of service on or before 01.01.1996, have been granted the 1st higher pay scale of 5000-8000 and the Gram Sevaks who are appointed under the same recruitment and pay Rules, 1998 and in the same pay scale of 1200-2040 which came to revised to 4000-6000 upon coming into force 5th pay commission, were granted higher pay scale of 1400-2600 which also came to be revised to 5000-8000 upon completion of 9 years on or before 01.01.1996, which was not higher pay scale but corresponding revised pay scale of 1400-2600 as per the Rules, 1998 and such category of members who have completed 9 years of service, have been placed in pay scale of 4500-7000 in view thereof, subjected to discrimination as the members of the petitioner No.1 – Association who have completed 9 years service on or after 01.01.1996 have been given the higher pay scale of 4500- 7000 though, the petitioners (members of the petitioner No.1 - Association) ought to have been granted the same higher pay scale as granted to the similarly situated Gram Sevaks upon completion of 9 years service on or before 01.01.1996 i.e. 5000-8000. 8.2 The petitioner No.1 – Association representing its members, serving as Gram Sevaks in various District Panchayats had made number of representations seeking applicability of scale of 5000-8000 however, the respondent - State sent communication dated 05.01.2015 and without giving any reason, the decision was taken and it was communicated that the policy as per the Government Resolution dated 07.12.2013 is decided to be maintained for granting higher pay scales of Gram Sevaks and in view thereof, the petitioners have approached this Court having prayed for the reliefs as referred above. 9. It is not in dispute that as per the 1986 Revision of Pay Rules, the pay scale prescribed for the post of Gram Sevak was 1200-2040. 9. It is not in dispute that as per the 1986 Revision of Pay Rules, the pay scale prescribed for the post of Gram Sevak was 1200-2040. The respondent – State accepted the recommendations made by the 5th pay commission and revised pay scale came to be applied by the respondent – State by publishing Resolution dated 07.01.1998 which is duly produced at page 107. The said Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998 provides for the pay scales which have remained in existence, the revised pay scales would made applicable on the scale to scale basis. The revised scales were decided to be made applicable against existing pay scales irrespective of reference to the posts or cadres. Accordingly, upon perusal of the table which is duly produced at page 109, the pay scale of Gram Sevak was 1200-30-1560-40-2040 and corresponding revised pay scale as per the Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998, was 4000-6000. The aforesaid came to be implemented with retrospective effect from 01.01.1996. In view thereof, the petitioners were placed in the pay scale of 4000-100-6000 w.e.f. 01.01.1996. Clause – 16 of the Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998 provides that the pay scales which have remained in existence, the revised pay scales would be applicable on the scale to scale basis. 10. The respondent – authority issued Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 which is duly produced at page 117 along with the Appendix duly produced at page 120. Clause – 6 of the said Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 provides as under: (true translation) “(6) According to this, higher grade of pay scale shall be sanctioned to the employees eligible under the Higher Grade Pay Scale Scheme as on or after 1st January, 1996. Payment of salary arrears shall be made as per Rule-11 of Gujarat Civil Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 1998.” 10.1 This Court has also perused the Appendix annexed to the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 duly produced at page 120. The said Appendix provides for revised pay scale after 01.01.1996 and the corresponding higher pay scale applicable thereof. Pursuant to the said Resolution dated 14.08.1998, the petitioners came to be placed in the pay scale of 4500-7000 and the corresponding higher pay scale would be 5000-8000. The said Appendix provides for revised pay scale after 01.01.1996 and the corresponding higher pay scale applicable thereof. Pursuant to the said Resolution dated 14.08.1998, the petitioners came to be placed in the pay scale of 4500-7000 and the corresponding higher pay scale would be 5000-8000. 10.2 Further, it emerges that the respondent No.1 upon receipt of the representations from the various District Panchayats with respect to the clarification of the pay scale, payable to the Gram Sevaks, forwarded the same to the District Panchayats and after consultation with the Finance Department, the District Panchayats clarified from time to time with respect to the higher pay scale; payable to the Gram Sevaks by issuing Circulars dated 25.06.2012, 27.09.2012 and the impugned Government Resolution dated 07.12.2013 clarifying that the Gram Sevaks would be entitled for higher pay scale as per Schedule – I of the Government Resolution dated 16.08.1994 and 14.08.1998 and no further modification was required. The reply of the District Panchayat was also sent to the petitioner No.1 – Association by letter dated 05.01.2015. The said communication is without following principles of natural justice and is an unreasoned communication. 10.3 In the Special Civil Application No.15095 of 2015, though, the petitioners are already granted higher pay scale of 5000- 8000 in accordance with the Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998, upon audit objections by communication dated 06.02.2015, recovery came to be effected from the petitioners to place the petitioners in the pay scale of 4500-7000 without issuance of notice and following the cardinal principles of natural justice and in view thereof, the ratio laid down in case of State of Punjab vs. Rafiq Masih (whitewasher) etc., reported in AIR 2015 SC 696 , comes into force. It is apposite to refer to relevant paragraph of the said decision which reads thus: “12. It is not possible to postulate all situations of hardship, which would govern employees on the issue of recovery, where payments have mistakenly been made by the employer, in excess of their entitlement. Be that as it may, based on the decisions referred to herein above, we may, as a ready reference, summarise the following few situations, wherein recoveries by the employers, would be impermissible in law: (i) Recovery from employees belonging to Class-III and Class-IV service (or Group 'C' and Group 'D' service). Be that as it may, based on the decisions referred to herein above, we may, as a ready reference, summarise the following few situations, wherein recoveries by the employers, would be impermissible in law: (i) Recovery from employees belonging to Class-III and Class-IV service (or Group 'C' and Group 'D' service). (ii) Recovery from retired employees, or employees who are due to retire within one year, of the order of recovery. (iii) Recovery from employees, when the excess payment has been made for a period in excess of five years, before the order of recovery is issued. (iv) Recovery in cases where an employee has wrongfully been required to discharge duties of a higher post, and has been paid accordingly, even though he should have rightfully been required to work against an inferior post. (v) In any other case, where the Court arrives at the conclusion, that recovery if made from the employee, would be iniquitous or harsh or arbitrary to such an extent, as would far outweigh the equitable balance of the employer's right to recover. 13. We are informed by the learned counsel representing the appellant- State of Punjab, that all the cases in this bunch of appeals, would undisputedly fall within the first four categories delineated hereinabove. In the appeals referred to above, therefore, the impugned orders passed by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana (quashing the order of recovery), shall be deemed to have been upheld, for the reasons recorded above.” 11. In the appeals referred to above, therefore, the impugned orders passed by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana (quashing the order of recovery), shall be deemed to have been upheld, for the reasons recorded above.” 11. At this stage, it is apposite to refer to the table produced along with the Additional Affidavit filed by the respondent No.1 – State duly produced at page 165, which reads thus: APPLICABILITY AS PER 5TH PAY COMMISSION (BEFORE 01.01.1996) APPLICABILITY AS PER 6TH PAY COMMISSION (AFTER 01.01.1996) Employee Basic Pay Higher Pay Scale (GR Dated 16.08.1994) y Scale (GR Dated 16.08.1994) Pay Scale To Be Considered AS Revision Of Pay Rules, 1996 (GR dated 07.01.1998) Corresponding Basic Pay (GR Dated 07.01.1998) Higher Pay Scale (As per GR dated 14.08.1998) Employee appointed prior to 1996 Eligible higher pay scale before 1.1.1996 1200- 2040 1400-2600 (1st higher pay scale) 1400-2600 (as Basic Pay changed after adding higher pay scale) 5000-8000 (as per GR dated 7.1.1998) 5500-9000 (2nd Higher pay as 1st already granted before 1996) Employee appointed prior to 1996 but Eligible for higher pay scale after 1.1.1996 1200- 2040 Not Eligible 1200-2040 (as no HP granted) 4000-6000 4500-7000 (1st higher pay scale as they became eligible for the first time after 1996) 12. Upon perusal of the aforesaid, it is not in dispute that the Gram Sevaks who are appointed prior to 01.01.1996 in the basic pay scale of 1200-2040 are accorded the higher pay scale of 1400-2600. Though, the petitioners herein are also granted the corresponding basic pay of 5000-8000 as per the Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998 however, initiated recovery of the aforesaid pay scale by applying the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 qua the petitioners placing the petitioners herein in the 1st higher pay scale of 4500-7000 as the petitioners become eligible for the first time after 01.01.1996. 13. At this stage, it is apposite to refer to the decision rendered in Special Civil Application No.2955 of 2010 dated 08.03.2010 wherein, paragraph 5 reads thus: “5. On 02.02.1996, admittedly, the pay-scale of the petitioner was Rs.1400-2600 (pre-revised) and the corresponding pay-scale, as per the 5th Pay Commission, is Rs.5000-8000. The pay-scale of Rs.4500-7000 was for those employees who were receiving the pay-scale of Rs.1200-2040. On 02.02.1996, admittedly, the pay-scale of the petitioner was Rs.1400-2600 (pre-revised) and the corresponding pay-scale, as per the 5th Pay Commission, is Rs.5000-8000. The pay-scale of Rs.4500-7000 was for those employees who were receiving the pay-scale of Rs.1200-2040. Looking to the facts of the case, I am of the view that the Tribunal has rightly appreciated the documents on record and has allowed the application preferred by the petitioner. I am in complete agreement with the reasonings given by the Tribunal in its order and hence, find no reasons to interfere with the same.” 13.1 The aforesaid decision was subject matter of challenge before the Hon’ble Apex Court in Special Leave Petition (C) No.11597 of 2011 wherein, by order dated 22.07.2011, the said SLP came to be dismissed. It is apposite to reproduce the said order which reads thus: “Delay condoned. We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order in view of the peculiar facts of this case. The special leave petition is dismissed.” 13.2 It is also apposite to refer to the decision rendered in Special Civil Application No.14790 of 2011 with Special Civil Application No.10353 of 2011, dated 03.04.2018. Relevant paragraphs of the said decision read thus: 7. In my considered opinion, the Tribunal has failed to appreciate the facts of pay fixation of the petitioner in true perspective. The reply filed by the School authorities before the Tribunal reveals that the petitioner was granted the higher pay scale of Rs.1400-2600 after completion of nine years service w.e.f 17.01.1996. The Tribunal in the Order dt.25.08.2008 passed in Application No.142 of 1999, has observed that there is no provision of law to show that the Librarians who go the benefit of higher pay scale cannot be granted the benefit of 5th Pay Commission, or who got the benefit of 5th Pay Commission cannot get the benefit of higher pay scale. The corresponding pay scale of Rs.1400-2600 in the 5th Pay Commission is Rs.5000-8000. In the Order dt.8.03.2010, passed in Special Civil Application No.2955 of 2010, challenging the aforesaid order of Tribunal, this Court has observed thus:- “On 02.02.1996, the pay-scale of the petitioner was Rs.1400- 2600(pre-revised) and the corresponding pay scale, as per the 5th Pay Commission, is Rs.5000-8000. The pay scale of Rs.4500-7000 was for those employees who were receiving the pay scale of Rs.1200-2040. The pay scale of Rs.4500-7000 was for those employees who were receiving the pay scale of Rs.1200-2040. Looking to the facts of the case the, I am of the view that the Tribunal has rightly appreciated the documents on record and has allowed the application preferred by the petitioner”. 8. SLP filed against the aforesaid order is dismissed on 22.7.2011. 9. Thus, in the case of a similarly situated Librarian, this Court has confirmed the order passed by the Tribunal by observing that a Librarian who is in a pay scale of Rs.1400- 2600 is entitled to the pay scale of Rs.5000-8000. In the present case, the petitioner was placed in the pay scale of Rs.1400-2600 by granting the higher pay scale w.e.f 17.1.1996, hence, her pay scale is to be revised to 5000-8000 in view of 5th Pay Commission. Prior to that he was in the pay scale of Rs.1200-2040. Hence, he is entitled to the pay scale of Rs.5000-8000 as per the 5th Pay Commission. 10. Thus, in light of the afore-noted decisions, the impugned judgment and the order dated 11.07.2011, passed by the Gujarat Higher Secondary School Services Tribunal in Application No.99 of 2001 is hereby quashed and set aside. The respondents herein are directed to consider the case of the petitioner for grant the benefit of the pay scale of Rs.5000- 8000 in light of the observations made herein above, and thereafter pass appropriate orders fixing such pay scale. Necessary order shall be passed within a period of two months from the date of receiving the copy of the present order. With the aforesaid observation and directions, the special civil application no.14790 of 2011 is allowed. Rule is made absolute. 11. In the writ petition being Special Civil Application NO.10353 of 2011, the State government has challenged the judgment and order dt.11.1.2011 passed by the Tribunal in Application No.67 of 2009 governing a similar issue relating to fixation of the pay scale of Rs.5000- 8000 of applicant respondent therein who is a Librarian. The aforesaid order was also cited before the Tribunal in the Application No.99 of 2011 which was also distinguished on facts. In view of the foregoing observations, the Special Civil Application No.10353 of 2011 is dismissed. Rule is discharged. The aforesaid order was also cited before the Tribunal in the Application No.99 of 2011 which was also distinguished on facts. In view of the foregoing observations, the Special Civil Application No.10353 of 2011 is dismissed. Rule is discharged. The petitioner-state is directed to grant the benefits arising of the judgment and order dt.11.1.2011 passed by the Tribunal in Application no.67 of 2009 to the Respondent No.1.” 13.3 Further, in an identical case of the Teachers of Government Primary Schools managed by a Town Primary Education Committee, the Education Department, State of Gujarat, has issued Government Resolution dated 12.10.2022 wherein, the said anomaly is corrected on certain conditions. It is apposite to refer to the said Government Resolution dated 12.10.2022, which reads thus: (true translation) “As per the clarification issued vide the Circular read above at Sr.No. (7), the teachers of Government Primary Schools managed by a Town Primary Education Committee, who were not entitled to the First Higher Pay of Rs.5000–8000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300– 34800, Grade Pay 4200), have also become entitled. However, due to that, the circumstances emerged that, the teachers who have become entitled for the First Higher Pay before 12/01/2021 and who have already been receiving the First Higher Pay of Rs.4500-7000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.5200–20200, Grade Pay 2800) were, despite being seniors, receiving pay lower than their juniors. Under such circumstances, with a view to remove anomalies in pay and to determine the First Higher Pay and accordingly the Second and the Third Higher Pays on equality basis, in the manner same as earlier where the teachers of Primary Schools administered by a Town Primary Education Committee were getting the First Higher Pay on equality basis, a proposal had been moved by the Directorate of Primary Education vide the letter read above at Sr. No. (8). Moreover, pursuant to the repeated representations made by the state-recognized Primary Teachers’ Unions and, as stated above, with a view to ensure uniformity in pay of all the teachers of government-primary- schools and with a view to remove anomalies in pay scale of the teachers who have become eligible for the first Higher Pay before 12/01/2021 and the teachers who have become eligible thereafter, was under consideration of the Government. RESOLUTION:- After a careful consideration and, as stated above, with a view to ensure uniformity in the First Higher Pay and subsequent Second and Third Higher Pays for the teachers of government primary schools administered by all the Town Primary Education Committees in the State, subject to the following terms and conditions, it is resolved to sanction the First Higher Pay of Rs.5000–8000 (as per Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300– 34800, Grade Pay 4200), i.e. on equality basis, for all the teachers of Government Primary Schools managed by the Town Primary Education Committees, from 01/01/1996. Terms and Conditions:- (1) The teachers of Primary Schools managed by a Town Primary Education Committee shall be entitled, to the first Higher Pay of Rs.5000– 8000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300–34800, Grade Pay 4200) after 9 years, the Second Higher Pay of Rs.5500–9000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300–34800, Grade Pay 4400) after 20 years and the Third Higher Pay of Rs.6500–10500 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300–34800, Grade Pay 4600) after 31 years, from the date of their eligibility as per the provisions under the Scheme of Higher Pay and the Resolution dated 16/08/1994. (2) In the instances, where a teacher out of the teachers of government primary schools managed by a Town Primary Education Committee has already been sanctioned the First Higher Pay of Rs.4500– 7000 (as per the Six Pay Commission - Rs.5200–20200, Grade Pay 2800) from the date of his/her eligibility at present shall be, henceforth, sanctioned the First Higher Pay of Rs.5000–8000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300–34800, Grade Pay 4200) and the differential amount of the First Higher Pay of Rs.5000–8000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300–34800, Grade Pay 4200) for the period from date of his/her eligibility and the date of resolution shall be treated as notional and actual payment shall be made from 12/10/2022. (3) In the cases where out of the teachers of Government Primary Schools managed by a Town Primary Education Committee, those who are yet to be sanctioned the First Higher Pay of Rs.4500–7000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.5200–20200, Grade Pay 2800) from their date of eligibility as per the rules, shall be, pursuant to the stated decision, sanctioned the First Higher Pay of Rs.5000–8000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300–34800, Grade Pay 4200) from the date of their eligibility. However, they shall be paid the differential pay amount for a period from the date of their eligibility to the date of resolution as per the First Higher Pay entitled to them as per the rules, i.e. Rs.4500–7000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.5200–20200, Grade Pay 2800). Whereas the differential pay amount for the Higher Pay of Rs.5000–8000 (as per the Sixth Pay Commission - Rs.9300–34800, Grade Pay 4200) shall be treated as notional and actual payment shall be made from 12/10/2022. (4) An undertaking in form of an affidavit containing the above stated details, as per the Statement of Undertaking appended herewith, shall be obtained from the teachers of government primary schools managed by a Town Primary Education Committee. (5) As this decision has been taken in exceptional circumstances, it shall not be considered a precedent. 14. Considering the aforesaid position of law and the facts of the present case, the issue-in-question is no longer res-integra. Further, this Court has also perused the list of the petitioners in Special Civil Application No.15095 of 2015 and Special Civil Application No.16350 of 2015. Upon perusal of the same, it emerges that the date of eligibility of 1st higher pay scale of the petitioners herein is after 01.01.1996. 14.1 In the opinion of this Court, admittedly, the petitioners are in the pay scale of 1200-2040 and the petitioners herein were placed to the first higher scale of 1400-2600 in view thereof, the petitioners herein are entitled to the corresponding pay scale of 5000-8000 in accordance with the Government Resolution dated 07.01.1998 as per the 5th pay commission and not as per the Government Resolution dated 14.08.1998 and 07.12.2013. The corresponding pay scale as per 5th pay commission is 5000-8000. 15. The corresponding pay scale as per 5th pay commission is 5000-8000. 15. For the foregoing reasons, the petitioners herein in the pay scale of 1400-2600 are entitled to the pay scale of 5000- 8000 as per the 5th pay commission. The prayers, as prayed for, in the captioned petitions, are allowed to the aforesaid extent. The respondent authorities to consider in accordance with the initial date of appointment of the petitioners; upon due verification and pass appropriate orders fixing such pay scale, in accordance with law. The aforesaid exercise be undertaken within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of this order. 15.1 Considering the fact that the captioned petitions are allowed, the question of recovery does not arise. Consequently, the impugned communication dated 05.01.2015 is also quashed and set aside. 16. The captioned petitions are allowed to the aforesaid extent. Rule is made absolute to the aforesaid extent. The connected civil applications stands disposed of accordingly.