As per the Delhi High Court’s directions, all its staff members will receive the same allowance for uniforms and maintenance of clothing.
Not long ago, many employees had submitted a petition highlighting the inequality in the allowance given to them for clothing and the washing allowance granted for their maintenance. The employees had demanded transparency in the process of prescribing uniforms and allocating allowances.
They had complained that there are no guidelines/criteria governing these allowances and there is no transparency in the process of prescribing uniforms to employees of the court.
While the counsel maintained that only those employees who assisted the judges inside the courts were required to wear and maintain uniforms, the bench felt that all staff members, irrespective of whether they worked within the courts or outside in the halls or court complex were required to maintain decorum and discipline and appear in the uniform prescribed. According to the bench, every employee within the High Court complex represents the Court and is, therefore, required to maintain a certain image in terms of appearance and conduct. Therefore, it ruled that the allowance should be the same for all the employees, without any discrimination whatsoever.
From now on, all employees will get the same washing allowance as given to those belonging to Category 1, and the arrears with effect from 8 May will be paid within eight weeks.
