STATE OF PUNJAB vs SURINDER PAL SINGH

The Supreme Court held that while the respondents were entitled to notional increments from 1998 due to delayed appointments, they were not entitled to salary for the period prior to their actual appointment in 2000, as they had not worked during that time. The Court set aside the Punjab & Haryana High Court's order directing payment of salary from 1998, emphasizing that salary can only be granted for periods of actual service. The appeal was allowed in part, with no costs awarded.