UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. vs SANTIRAM GHOSH AND ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal's decision that the Board of Arbitrators exceeded its terms of reference by recommending two levels of pay for Scientific Assistants in the Botanical Survey of India. The Court found that the job content of the Scientific Assistants did not require the qualifications necessary for Level I, as prescribed by the Pay Commission. Consequently, the Tribunal's award granting the respondents the pay scale of Rs. 550-900 was affirmed, as the Board's award was deemed illegal and not binding.