STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs VIJAY VASANTRAO DESHPANDE

The Supreme Court held that the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal's decision to grant the respondent the benefit of the University Grants Commission’s Scheme for merit promotion was incorrect. The Court found that the Tribunal misinterpreted the Government letter dated 5-3-85, which stipulated conditions for eligibility that the respondent did not meet due to his initial adhoc appointment. Consequently, the Court set aside the Tribunal's order and ruled in favor of the State of Maharashtra, denying the respondent's claims for regularization and higher pay-scale benefits.