Equal Pay for Equal Work Cannot Be Applied Mechanically: Supreme Court

Supreme Court reiterates that pay parity claims require full comparability

The Supreme Court held that similarity of duties and designation alone does not automatically entitle employees to equal pay. The Court said claims for pay parity must be assessed on broader factors such as experience, qualifications and source of recruitment.

The ruling came in a dispute concerning teachers in Kerala government-aided higher secondary schools. Direct recruits sought the same pay scale that was granted to teachers appointed through transfer or promotion. The Court upheld the higher pay scale for promotees and transferees because their prior service experience provided a valid basis for classification.

Final outcome: The appeals were rejected and the Court upheld the differential pay structure.

Case: GP Sangeetha v. State of Kerala & Ors.

Bench: Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu

Source: Bar & Bench