UNION OF INDIA & ORS. vs K. G. RADHAKRISHANA PANICKAR & ORS.

The Supreme Court addressed the eligibility of employees initially engaged as Project Casual Labour for counting their service prior to 1.1.1981 towards qualifying service for pension and retiral benefits. The Court interpreted the Indian Railway Establishment Manual, specifically sub-para (a) of Para 2501, which defines Casual Labour and its categories, and noted that the Railway Board's decision on counting service post temporary status was relevant. The Court held that such service should be counted as qualifying service for pensionary benefits, thereby granting relief to the employees.