THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs BHAGWAN

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to grant pensionary benefits to employees of the Water and Land Management Institute (WALMI), emphasizing that WALMI, despite being an autonomous institution, is still subject to the provisions of the Maharashtra Civil Services Rules. The court found that the employees are entitled to such benefits as they are performing public duties under the state's governance. Consequently, the appeals by the State of Maharashtra were dismissed, affirming the High Court's order.