MP High Court declares salary cuts during probation illegal:Questions pay deduction when govt takes 100% work; orders refund of salary with arrears

In a landmark ruling, the Jabalpur High Court has granted major relief to thousands of Madhya Pradesh government employees, declaring salary deductions during the probation period illegal. The court has ordered that the amounts deducted from employees’ salaries be returned along with arrears. The Division Bench of Justices Vivek Rusia and Deepak Khot struck down a December 12, 2019, circular issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), which had mandated 70% salary in the first year, 80% in the second, and 90% in the third year for new recruits. Court questions rationale behind salary cuts Observing that employees perform the full scope of their duties during probation, the Bench questioned the justification for reduced pay. The court emphasised that the principle of “equal pay for equal work” applies even during the probation period and that employees are entitled to full minimum wages for work of a regular nature. Recovery of salary deemed illegal The court further clarified that any recovery of salary during probation is unlawful. The state government has been directed to ensure that employees who were denied full pay are provided the complete salary benefit, and the previously deducted amounts are to be returned as arrears. Case pertains to third- and fourth-class employees The case concerns third- and fourth-class employees appointed under Rule 8(1) of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (General Service Conditions) Rules, 1961. The 2019 circular had differentiated salaries of employees recruited via the MPPSC and those recruited through other agencies. The High Court termed this distinction discriminatory and impractical. The ruling is expected to directly benefit thousands of government employees across Madhya Pradesh, setting a significant precedent on salary rights during probation.