State Of Punjab & Ors vs Rafiq Masih (White Washer)

The Supreme Court ruled that the provisions of the Punjab Civil Services (General) Rules, 1976, particularly Rule 3.26, must be interpreted to ensure that the benefits of regularization are extended to daily wage workers who have completed 10 years of service. The Court emphasized that the principle of 'equal pay for equal work' under Article 14 and Article 39(d) of the Constitution mandates that such workers should not be denied regularization based on arbitrary criteria. The appeals by the State of Punjab were dismissed, affirming the rights of the respondents to regularization and consequential benefits.