The Lahore High Court (LHC) has restored the time-scale upgradation granted to four directors of physical education in Punjab, setting aside the provincial government’s decision to withdraw the benefit.
The verdict was issued by Justice Raheel Kamran while hearing writ petitions filed by affected officers. The court ruled that the petitioners were entitled to the upgradation due to prolonged stagnation in their service careers.
According to case details, the officers were initially appointed in BPS-16 through the Punjab Public Service Commission between 1987 and 1996 and later moved to BPS-17 after acquiring higher qualifications. Under a 2019 government policy designed to address career stagnation, they were granted two-step upgradation from BPS-17 to BPS-19.
However, in 2023, the Punjab government withdrew these benefits, citing policy clarifications. The decision was challenged in court.
During proceedings, the government argued that the case fell under the jurisdiction of the service tribunal. The court rejected this stance, clarifying that time-scale upgradation is a personal benefit rather than a promotion, and therefore falls within constitutional jurisdiction.
The court further observed that the officers had remained in the same grade for more than two decades, clearly demonstrating stagnation. It held that eligibility should be based on actual career progression rather than the mere existence of higher posts.
Allowing the petitions, the LHC ordered the restoration of time-scale upgradation along with all financial benefits. It also barred authorities from initiating any recovery proceedings against the officers.
The ruling is seen as a significant decision for government employees facing long-term stagnation, reinforcing their right to fair career progression under applicable policies.
