Y.K. MEHTA AND ORS. vs UNlON OF INDIA & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that the Staff Artists of Doordarshan are to be considered Government servants under Articles 14 and 16(1) of the Constitution, as they meet the criteria of civil posts and are appointed similarly to regular government employees. The Court found that the duties performed by the Staff Artists are identical to those of their counterparts in the Film Division, thus ruling that it is unreasonable and unjust to discriminate in pay between them. The Court emphasized the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 39(d), advocating for equal pay for equal work, and directed that the petitioners be granted the same pay scales as their counterparts in the Film Division.