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Regularization under the Punjab Regularization of Service Act, 2018 applies to all Contract Employees serving for three or more years, provided they do not fall under Project-Based or Time-Bound Appointment --- Supreme Court of Pakistan

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Regularization under the Punjab Regularization of Service Act, 2018 applies to all Contract Employees serving for three or more years, provided they do not fall under Project-Based or Time-Bound Appointment --- Supreme Court of Pakistan

Islamabad 26-12-2024: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed the Civil Petition filed by the Government of Punjab challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision in favor of teachers seeking regularization under the Punjab Regularization of Service Act, 2018. The judgment reaffirms the rights of contract employees who meet the eligibility criteria under the Act to be considered for permanent employment.

The case originated from a petition by District Teacher Educators (DTEs), who were employed under the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme by the Punjab government. The scheme was discontinued in 2017, and their services were repatriated. The respondents filed a writ petition in the Lahore High Court, arguing they were eligible for regularization under the Act. The High Court ruled in their favor, directing the Scrutiny Committee to evaluate their cases.

Mr. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, delivering the verdict, emphasized the following:

The Act applies to all contract employees serving for three or more years, provided they do not fall under project-based or time-bound appointments.
The Scrutiny Committees must review each case to determine the eligibility of employees for regularization.
The judgment reinforced the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination, mandating that beneficial laws be applied uniformly across all eligible employees.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan criticized unnecessary delays in the implementation of beneficial statutes like the Regularization Act, highlighting that such practices force employees into prolonged litigation and increase the burden on Courts.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the High Court’s decision, directing the Scrutiny Committee to evaluate the respondents’ credentials and make recommendations in accordance with the law. The petition by the Punjab government was dismissed, with the Court reaffirming the principle of equal treatment for all employees.