State Of Karnataka And Ors vs P.M. Bhaskara Gowda And Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal's decision to grant a monthly salary of Rs. 900 to Gramsahayaks appointed on an ad-hoc basis under the Karnataka Village Officers' Abolition Act, 1961. The Court emphasized that while hereditary village offices were abolished, the compassionate appointment of children of former office holders was permissible. The Court found that the Tribunal's directive to frame recruitment rules was justified, aligning with Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which protect against arbitrary discrimination in public employment.