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Bombay High Court

PARAG RAMCHANDRA JOSHIversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA THROUGH ITS SECRETARY AND OTHERS

Disposal
DISPOSED OFF

Holding

The Court held that employees appointed before 1 November 2005 in aided schools are governed by the Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1982 and related rules and are entitled to the old pension scheme, not the DCPS/NPS.

Summary

A group of writ petitions filed by assistant teachers and junior college teachers appointed before 1 November 2005 sought a declaration that they remain governed by the Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1982, the 1984 Commutation Rules and the General Provident Fund, and not the Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (DCPS) or National Pension Scheme (NPS). The petitioners argued that the respondents (State of Maharashtra and various education authorities) were unlawfully deducting contributions under the DCPS and denying old‑pension benefits. The State contended that verification of service records was required before any benefit could be granted. The Court held that the issue was no longer res integra, having been settled in Nilesh Namdev Gurav & Ors. v. State of Maharashtra and subsequent judgments, and that the petitioners are entitled to the old pension scheme by operation of law. Consequently, the Court allowed all the writ petitions, directed the respondents to extend old‑pension benefits, refund any amounts deducted under the DCPS, and set up General Provident Fund accounts for the petitioners.

Issues considered

  • Whether employees appointed before 1 November 2005 in 100% aided or partially aided schools are covered by the Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1982 and not the DCPS/NPS.
  • Whether the respondents may defer granting pension benefits pending verification of service records.
  • Whether the Court can grant relief despite pending Supreme Court SLPs on the same question.
  • Whether employees who did not opt for the DCPS are entitled to the old pension scheme by default.

Legislation cited

Subjects

  • pension scheme
  • old pension
  • Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
  • NPS
  • Maharashtra Civil Services
  • retirement benefits
  • writ petition
  • education employees
  • government service rules

Judgment

2026:BHC-AUG:9986-DB


                                                              WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



                       IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
                                  BENCH AT AURANGABAD

                                    WRIT PETITION NO.5849 OF 2024

               Bhagwan s/o Vitthalrao Wakde
               Age: 57 years, Occu.: Service,
               as Jr. Lecturer (Assistant Teacher)
               presently working with Renuka
               Secondary & Higher Secondary
               School, Mantha, Tq. Mantha,
               District Jalna.                                         .. Petitioner
                       Versus

          1.   The State of Maharashtra
               Through its Secretary,
               Finance Department,
               State of Maharashtra,
               Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.

          2.   The Secretary,
               School Education and Sports
               Department, Mantralaya,
               Mumbai-32.

          3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
               Aurangabad Region, Aurangabad.

          4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
               Zilla Parishad, Jalna.

          5.   The Superintendent,
               Pay and Provident Fund Unit
               Education Department, Jalna,
               District Jalna.

          6.   The Head Master,
               Renuka Secondary & Higher Secondary
               Secondary School, Mantha,
               Tq. Mantha, District Jalna.

          7.   Jagdamba Shikshan Prasarak
               Mandal, Mantha, Tq. Mantha,
               Dist. Jalna.
               Through its President/Secretary.                        .. Respondents
                                                 …
                                                WITH
                                    WRIT PETITION NO.5852 OF 2024


                                                     [1]
                                                     WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt




     Smt. Archana Umaji Kakade
     @ Archana Pravin Mhaske
     Age: 42 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with Macchindranath
     Vidyalaya, Sawargaon, Tq. Ashti,
     District Beed.                                           .. Petitioner

            Versus

1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.

2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Aurangabad Region, Aurangabad.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Beed.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Beed,
     District Beed.
6.   Shetkari Shikshan Prasarak
     Mandal, Ashti, Tq. Ashti,
     District Beed
     Through its President/Secretary,
7.   Macchindranath Vidyalaya Sawargaon
     Tq. Ashti, District Beed.
     Through its Principal/Headmaster                         .. Respondents
                                        …
                                       WITH
                           WRIT PETITION NO.5859 OF 2024

     Shaikh Ayesha Parveen Shaikh Allaoddin
     Age: 50 years, Occu.: Retired,
     R/o. House No.601, Amin Colony,
     BSNL Tower Road, Parbhani,
     Tq. And Dit. Parbhani.                                   .. Petitioner

            Versus


                                          [2]
                                                     WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Education Officer (Primary),
     Zilla Parishad, Beed, District Beed.
4.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Beed,
     District Beed.
5.   The Headmaster,
     Bilal Primary school Hamalwadi,
     Station Road, Parli-Vaijnath,
     Tq. Parli Vaijnath, District Beed.
6.   Dawat Education Society,
     Parli-Vaijnath, Tq. Parli-Vaijnath,
     District Beed,
     Through its President/Secretary.                         .. Respondents
                                        …
                                       WITH
                           WRIT PETITION NO.9090 OF 2025

     Smt. Minakshi Tryambak Nemade @
     Minakshi Vasudeo Hole
     Age: 56 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with N. H. Ranka High
     School & Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, Dist. Jalgaon.                               .. Petitioner
             Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.



                                            [3]
                                                  WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Nashik Region, Nashik.

4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.

5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.

6.   The Bodwad Sarvajanik Co-operative
     Education Society Ltd. Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its President/Secretary.

7.   N. H. Ranka High School &
     Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, Dist. Jalgaon,
     Through its Headmaster.                               .. Respondents
                                     …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.9085 OF 2025

     Mahendra s/o Bhaurao Pandit
     Age: 50 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with N. H. Ranka High
     School & Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon.                         .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Nashik Region, Nashik.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.



                                          [4]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt




5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.
6.   The Bodwad Sarvajanik Co-operative
     Education Society Ltd. Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon
     Through its President/Secretary.
7.   N. H. Ranka High School &
     Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its Headmaster.                                .. Respondents
                                      …
                                     WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.9070 OF 2025

     Anil s/o Tukaram Dandade
     Age: 54 years, Occu.: Service,
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with N. H. Ranka High
     School & Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon.                          .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Nashik Region, Nashik.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.
6.   The Bodwad Sarvajanik Co-operative
     Education Soceity Ltd. Bodwad,


                                          [5]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its President/Secretary.
7.   N. H. Ranka High School &
     Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                     WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.9087 OF 2025
     Dnyaneshwar s/o Jagnnath Chikte
     Age: 51 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with N. H. Ranka High School
     & Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon.                          .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Nashik Region, Nashik.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.
6.   The Bodwad Sarvajanik Co-operative
     Education Soceity Ltd. Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its President/Secretary.
7.   N. H. Ranka High School &
     Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                          …



                                          [6]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



                                     WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.9068 OF 2025
     Parag s/o Ramchandra Joshi
     Age: 53 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with N. H. Ranka High
     School & Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, Dist. Jalgaon.                             .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Nashik Region, Nashik.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Jalgaon,
     District Jalgaon.
6.   The Bodwad Sarvajanik Co-operative
     Education Soceity Ltd. Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its President/Secretary.
7.   N. H. Ranka High School &
     Jr. College Bodwad,
     Tq. Bodwad, District Jalgaon,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.12172 OF 2025

     Smt. Vidya Kishanrao Thorat
     Age: 57 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with Mahatma Kabir
     Vidyalaya Sahyognagar, Nanded,



                                          [7]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



     Tq. And Dist. Nanded.                                  .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Latur Region, Latur.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Nanded,
     District Nanded.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Nanded,
     District Nanded.
6.   Pankaj Education Society
     Sahyognagar, Nanded
     Tq. And Dist. Nanded
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Mahatma Kabir Vidyalaya,
     Sahyognagar, Nanded,
     Tq. And Dist. Nanded,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                     …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.13319 of 2024
     Bhagwat s/o Laxman Palhal
     Age: 43 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Karmaveer Kakasaheb Deshmukh
     Madhyamik Vidyalaya S.S.K. Kannad,
     Tq. Kannad, Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar                   .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.


                                          [8]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.

3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.

4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.

5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.

6.   Jijamata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal
     Pishor, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary

7.   Karmaveer Kakasaheb Deshmukh
     Madhyamik Vidyalaya S.S.K. Kannad,
     Tq. Kannad, Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster.                                .. Respondents
                                         …
                                        WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.13300 OF 2024
     Jagmohan s/o Totaram Mundwadkar
     Age: 46 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Karmaveer Kakasaheb Deshmukh
     Vidyalaya Kannad, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar.                              .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,



                                           [9]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
6.   Jijamata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal
     Pishor, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Karmaveer Kakasaheb Deshmukh
     Madhyamik Vidyalaya S.S.K. Kannad,
     Tq. Kannad, Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster.                                .. Respondents
                                         …
                                        WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.13315 OF 2024
     Smt. Ratnamala Vishvanath Hatkar
     Age: 42 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Chhatrapati Shivaji Madhyamik
     Vidyalaya, Banshendra, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar                               .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit


                                           [10]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.

6.   Jijamata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal
     Pishor, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary

7.   Chhatrapati Shivaji Madhyamik
     Vidyalaya Banshendra, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar.
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.13320 OF 2024
     Raju s/o Eknath Gavali
     Age: 44 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Jijamata Madhyamik Vidyalaya,
     Pimparkheda, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar.                              .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
6.   Jijamata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal
     Pishor, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary


                                           [11]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



7.   Jijamata Madhyamik Vidyalaya
     Pimparkheda, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.13316 OF 2024
     Ashok s/o Vitthalrao Wahatule
     Age: 46 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Champavati Kanya Vidyalaya,
     Chapaner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar                               .. Petitioners
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
6.   Hanuman Sanskritik and Shaishanik
     Manda, Chapaner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Champavati Kanya Vidyalaya,
     Chapner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.13318 OF 2024


                                           [12]
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     Sunil s/o Sampatrao Chavan
     Age: 49 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Champavati Kanya Vidyalaya,
     Chapaner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar.                              .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.

4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
6.   Hanuman Sanskritik and Shaishanik
     Manda, Chapaner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Champavati Kanya Vidyalaya,
     Chapner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.13321 OF 2024

     Sunil s/o Shankar Sakhare
     Age: 51 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Champavati Kanya Vidyalaya,
     Chapaner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar.                              .. Petitioner



                                           [13]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
6.   Hanuman Sanskritik and Shaishanik
     Manda, Chapaner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Champavati Kanya Vidyalaya,
     Chapner, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.13637 OF 2024
     Sopan s/o Krishnarao Kale
     Age: 45 years, Occu.: Service as
     Post Graduate Teacher presently
     working with Sane Guruji Primary
     School, Kannad, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar.                              .. Petitioner

            Versus

1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.


                                           [14]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
6.   Sane Guruji Shikshan Prasarak
     Mandal, Kannad, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Sane Guruji Primary School,
     Kannad, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                    WITH
                        WRIT PETITION NO.13314 OF 2024

     Ganeshsing s/o Shivaji Nikam
     Age: 40 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Sane Guruji Primary
     School, Kannad, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar.                              .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.


                                           [15]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt




4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     District Chh. Sambhajinagar.

5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.

6.   Sane Guruji Shikshan Prasarak
     Mandal, Kannad, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary

7.   Sane Guruji Primary School,
     Kannad, Tq. Kannad,
     Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its Headmaster                                 .. Respondents
                                      …
                                     WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.5850 OF 2024

     Smt. Sangita Manikrao Mundhe
     Age: 49 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently
     working with Adarsh Secondary &
     Higher Secondary School,
     Manatha, Tq. Hadgaon,
     Dist. Nanded.                                          .. Petitioners

            Versus

1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.

2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.

3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Latur Region, Latur.

4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Latur.




                                           [16]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Nanded.

6.   Adarsh Vidyalaya Shikshan
     Samiti Mantha, Tq. Hadgaon,
     Dist. Nanded
     Through its President/Secretary,

7.   Adarsh Secondary and Higher
     Secondary School Mantha,
     Tq. Hadgaon, Dist. Nanded,
     Through its Principal/Headmaster                       .. Respondents
                                      …
                                     WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.5856 OF 2024

     Balaji s/o Govindrao Wankhede
     Age: 49 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with Adarsh Secondary
     & Higher Secondary School,
     Manatha, Tq. Hadgaon,
     Dist. Nanded.                                          .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Latur Region, Latur.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Latur.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Nanded.
6.   Adarsh Vidyalaya Shikshan
     Samiti Mantha, Tq. Hadgaon,



                                          [17]
                                                    WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



     Dist. Nanded
     Through its President/Secretary,
7.   Adarsh Secondary and Higher
     Secondary School Mantha,
     Tq. Hadgaon, Dist. Nanded,
     Through its Principal/Headmaster                        .. Respondents
                                       …
                                      WITH
                          WRIT PETITION NO.5854 OF 2024
     Babasaheb s/o Hausrao Mhaske
     Age: 50 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with Macchindranath
     Vidyalaya, Sawargaon, Tq. Ashti,
     Dist. Beed.                                             .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Aurangabad Region, Aurangabad.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Beed.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Beed,
     District Beed.
6.   Shetkari Shikshan Prasarak
     Mandal, Ashti, Tq. Ashti, Dist. Beed,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Macchindranath Vidyalaya Sawargaon,
     Tq. Ashti, Dist. Beed,
     Through its Principal/Headmaster                        .. Respondents
                                        …
                                      WITH
                          WRIT PETITION NO.13616 OF 2024




                                          [18]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



     Wahed s/o Fakira Patel
     Age: 59 years, Occu.: Retired,
     R/o. Harsul T. Point, Beri Bag,
     Galli No.8, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Tq. And Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar                       .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Aurangabad Region, Aurangabad.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Jalna.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Jalna,
     Dist. Jalna.
6.   Sillod Shikshan Sanstha, Sillod,
     N-11, CIDCO, Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Tq. And Dist. Chh. Sambhajinagar,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Siddharth Arts, Commerce & Science
     College, Jafrabad, Tq. Jafrabad,
     Dist. Jalna,
     Through its Principal                                  .. Respondents
                                      …
                                     WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.5857 OF 2024
     Sharad s/o Murlidhar Vidhate
     Age: 41 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with Macchindranath
     Vidyalaya, Sawargaon, Tq. Ashti,
     Dist. Beed.                                            .. Petitioner

            Versus




                                          [19]
                                                     WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.

2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.

3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Aurangabad Region, Aurangabad.

4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Beed.

5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Beed,
     District Beed.
6.   Shetkari Shikshan Prasarak
     Mandal, Ashti, Tq. Ashti, Dist. Beed,
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Macchindranath Vidyalaya Sawargaon,
     Tq. Ashti, Dist. Beed,
     Through its Principal/Headmaster                         .. Respondents
                                        …
                                       WITH
                           WRIT PETITION NO.5853 OF 2024

     Surendrakumar s/o Ramrao Potdar
     Age: 55 years, Occu.: Service as
     Assistant Teacher presently working
     with Adarsh Secondary & Higher
     Secondary School, Manatha,
     Tq. Hadgaon, Dist. Nanded.                               .. Petitioner

             Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.

2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.


                                           [20]
                                                   WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Latur Region, Latur.

4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Latur.

5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department,
     Nanded.

6.   Adarsh Vidyalaya Shikshan
     Samiti Mantha, Tq. Hadgaon,
     Dist. Nanded
     Through its President/Secretary,

7.   Adarsh Secondary and Higher
     Secondary School Mantha,
     Tq. Hadgaon, Dist. Nanded,
     Through its Principal/Headmaster                       .. Respondents
                                      …
                                     WITH
                         WRIT PETITION NO.5860 OF 2024

     Babasaheb s/o Asaram Aute
     Age: 55 years, Occu.: Service
     as Assistant Teacher presently
     working with Macchindranath
     Vidyalaya, Sawargaon, Tq. Ashti,
     Dist. Beed.                                            .. Petitioner
            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     State of Maharashtra,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Aurangabad Region, Aurangabad.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Beed.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit



                                          [21]
                                                     WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



     Education Department, Beed,
     District Beed.
6.   Shetkari Shikshan Prasarak
     Mandal, Ashti, Tq. Ashti, Dist. Beed,
     Through its President/Secretary

7.   Macchindranath Vidyalaya Sawargaon,
     Tq. Ashti, Dist. Beed,
     Through its Principal/Headmaster                         .. Respondents
                                        …
                                       WITH
                           WRIT PETITION NO.2850 OF 2025

     Ramesh Trimbakrao Gavande
     Age: 48 years, Occu.: Service as
     Jr. College Teacher presently
     working with Shri Rameshwar Arts,
     Commerce and Science Jr. College,
     Bhokardan, Dist. Jalna                                   .. Petitioner

            Versus
1.   The State of Maharashtra
     Through its Secretary,
     Finance Department,
     Mantralaya, Mumbai-32.
2.   The Secretary,
     School Education and Sports
     Department, Mantralaya,
     Mumbai-32.
3.   The Deputy Director of Education,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar Region,
     Chh. Sambhajinagar.
4.   The Education Officer (Secondary),
     Zilla Parishad, Jalna.
5.   The Superintendent,
     Pay and Provident Fund Unit
     Education Department, Jalna,
     District Jalna.
6.   Shri. Rameshwar Education Society,
     Bhokardan, Tq. Bhokardan,
     Dist. Jalna.
     Through its President/Secretary
7.   Shri Rameshwar Arts, Commerce
     and Science Jr. College, Bhokardan,
     Tq. Bhokardan, Dist. Jalna,
     Through its Principal                                    .. Respondents


                                           [22]
                                                           WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



                                           …
     •   Mr. A. G. Ambetkar, Advocate for the petitioners in all petitions.

     •   Ms. Neha B. Kamble, AGP for respondents/State in all petitions.

     •   Mr. Ashok B. Tele, Advocate for respondent Nos.6 and 7 in WP
         Nos.5849/2024.

     •   Mr. R. P. Bhumkar, Advocate for respondent Nos.5 and 6 in WP
         Nos.5859/2024.

     •   Mr. A. P. Avhad, Advocate for respondent Nos.6 and7 in WP Nos.9090/2025,
         9085/2025, 9070/2025, 9087/2025, 9068/2025, 12172/2025.
     •   Mr. D. R. Adhav, Advocate for respondent No.7 in WP/13321/2024.

     •   Mr. P. R. Nangare, Advocate for respondent Nos.3 and 4 in WP/13637/2024,
         13314/2024.

     •   Mr. B. T. Bodkhe, Advocate for respondent Nos.6 and 7 in WP/5860/2024,
         5852/2024, 5854/2024, 5857/2024.
     •   Mr. M. M. Parghane, Advocate for respondent No.7 in WP/5856/2024,
         5850/2024, 5853/2024.
     •   Mr. H. S. Kamble, Advocate for respondent Nos.6 and 7 in WP/13616/2024.
     •   Mr. N. R. Pawde, Advocate for respondent No.3 No.5850/2024.
                                          ...

                               CORAM : SMT. VIBHA KANKANWADI &
                                             HITEN S. VENEGAVKAR, JJ.

                                  DATE : 27 FEBRUARY 2026

JUDGMENT (Per Smt. Vibha Kankanwadi, J.) :-

.        Writ Petition No.2850 of 2025 is not in board. Upon mentioning, the

said petition is taken on board.


2.       Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith. Heard by consent of parties.

3.       By the present writ petitions, the petitioners claim that they are

employees appointed prior to 31.10.2005 in the partially aided division of


                                           [23]
                                                                                        WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



       100% aided schools and are seeking declaration that the petitioners are

       governed under old pension scheme i.e. Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension)

       Rules, 1982 and Maharashtra Civil Services (Commutation of Pension) Rules,

       1984 and General Provident Fund, which are applicable to the Assistant

       Teacher/Jr. College Teachers who are appointed prior to 01.11.2005 and

       shall not apply the Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (DCPS) or National

       Pension Scheme (NPS), which replaces the old pension scheme from

       01.11.2005. The petitioners also pray to consequently direct the respondents

       to take steps to extend benefits under old pension scheme in favour of the

       petitioners and direct the concerned schools to forthwith submit the pension

       papers/proposal of the petitioners who are appointed as Assistant

       Teacher/Junior College Teachers prior to 01.11.2005 and already stood

       retired within six weeks. The issue involved in these petitions is common and

       is therefore taken up for consideration.


       4.        The petitioners have approached this Court seeking multiple reliefs

       and consequential reliefs arising out of the main reliefs. The facts in detail

       are noted in tabular form.


 Writ Petition      Name of Petitioner         Date of First            Date of Full Time       100% Grant      School/College
     Nos.                                     Appointment &             (Approval) & Post       Received in         Name
                                             (Approval) & Post                                     Year
WP/5849/2024       Bhagwan Vitthalrao           02.07.1999                 2006-2007            1995-1996     Renuka Secondary &
                          Wakde             (Full-Time Assistant    (Full-Time Jr. Lecturer)                   Higher Secondary
                            Vs.           Teacher) (Non grant-in-     (100% grant-in-aid                      School Mantha, Tq.
                 The State of Maharashtra    aid divisions of Jr.   divisions of Jr. College)                 Mantha, Dist. Jalna
                          & Ors.                  College)          Retired on 31.01.2024
WP/5859/2024      Shaikh Ayesha Parveen         15.06.2001                 2014-2015               1996       Bilal Primary School




                                                                 [24]
                                                                                          WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



                   Shaikh Allaoddin        (Full-Time Assistant         (Full-Time Assistant                    Hamalwadi, Tq. Parli
                          Vs.                    Teacher)                     Teacher)                          Vaijnath, Dist. Beed.
               The State of Maharashtra     (Non grant-in-aid           (100% grant-in-aid
                        & Ors.             divisions of school)         divisions of school)
                                                                      (Retired on 30.06.2022)
WP/9090/2025     Minakshi Tryambak             01.07.1999                    2007-2008              1945         N. H. Ranka High
                 Nemade @ Minakshi         (Full-Time Assistant         (Full-Time Assistant      (School)      School & Jr. College
                    Vasudeo Hole                 Teacher)                     Teacher)                             Bodwad, Tq.
                          Vs.                                                                    1983-1984         Bodwad, Dist.
               The State of Maharashtra     (100% grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid      (Jr. College)        Jalgaon.
                        & Ors.            divisions of XI class of      divisions of XI & XII
                                                  school)                 class of school)
                                             (Non grant-in-aid
                                          divisions of XII class of
                                                  school)
WP/9085/2025     Mahendra Bhaurao              01.07.1999                    2007-2008              1945         N. H. Ranka High
                        Pandit             (Full-Time Assistant         (Full-Time Assistant      (School)      School & Jr. College
                          Vs.                    Teacher)                     Teacher)                             Bodwad, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra                                                          1983-1984         Bodwad, Dist.
                        & Ors.              (100% grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid      (Jr. College)        Jalgaon.
                                          divisions of XI class of      divisions of XI & XII
                                                  school)                 class of school)
                                             (Non grant-in-aid
                                          divisions of XII class of
                                                  school)
WP/9070/2025    Anil Tukaram Dandade           14.06.2003                    2007-2008              1945         N. H. Ranka High
                          Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant         (Full-Time Assistant      (School)      School & Jr. College
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)                     Teacher)                             Bodwad, Tq.
                        & Ors.                                                                   1983-1984         Bodwad, Dist.
                                            (100% grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid      (Jr. College)        Jalgaon.
                                          divisions of XI class of      divisions of XI & XII
                                                  school)                 class of school)
                                             (Non grant-in-aid
                                          divisions of XII class of
                                                  school)
WP/9087/2025    Dnyaneshwar Jagnnath           01.07.1999                    2007-2008              1945         N. H. Ranka High
                        Chikte             (Full-Time Assistant         (Full-Time Assistant      (School)      School & Jr. College
                          Vs.                    Teacher)                     Teacher)                             Bodwad, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra                                                          1983-1984         Bodwad, Dist.
                        & Ors.              (100% grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid      (Jr. College)        Jalgaon.
                                          divisions of XI class of      divisions of XI & XII
                                                  school)                 class of school)
                                             (Non grant-in-aid
                                          divisions of XII class of
                                                  school)
WP/9068/2025   Parag Ramchandra Joshi          01.07.1999                    2007-2008              1945         N. H. Ranka High
                          Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant         (Full-Time Assistant      (School)      School & Jr. College
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)                     Teacher)                             Bodwad, Tq.
                        & Ors.                                                                   1983-1984         Bodwad, Dist.
                                            (100% grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid      (Jr. College)        Jalgaon.
                                          divisions of XI class of      divisions of XI & XII
                                                  school)                 class of school)
                                             (Non grant-in-aid
                                          divisions of XII class of
                                                  school)
    WP/          Vidya Kashinathrao            01.07.2001                    2008-2009          1998-1999          Mahatma Kabir
 12172/2025             Thorat             (Full-Time Assistant         (Full-Time Assistant                         Vidyalaya
                          Vs.                    Teacher)                     Teacher)                              Sahyognagar,
               The State of Maharashtra                                                                           Nanded, Tq. And
                        & Ors.              (Non grant-in-aid           (100% grant-in-aid                          Dist. Nanded
                                            divisions of 100%           divisions of school)
                                           grant-in-aid school)
    WP/        Bhagwat Laxman Palhal            05.11.2003                  March 2010             2005         Chhatrapati Shivaji




                                                                  [25]
                                                                                      WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



 13319/2024               Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant         (18.09.2010)                          Madhyamik
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                      Vidyalaya
                        & Ors.              (Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                         Banshendra, Tq.
                                           divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid                    Kannad, Dist. Chh.
                                                                     divisions of school)                   Sambhajinagar
    WP/          Jagmohan Totaram         14.06.2005 (Full-Time          March 2010            2005            Karmaveer
 13300/2024         Mundwadkar              Assistant Teacher)          (18.09.2010)                           Kakasaheb
                          Vs.               (Non grant-in-aid        (Full-Time Assistant                      Deshmukh
               The State of Maharashtra    divisions of school)            Teacher)                          Vidyalaya, Tq.
                        & Ors.                                       (100% grant-in-aid                    Kannad, Dist. Chh.
                                                                     divisions of school)                   Sambhajinagar
    WP/            Smt. Ratnamala              03.11.2003                March 2009            2005       Chhatrapati Shivaji
 13315/2024      Vishwanath Hatkar         (Full-Time Assistant         (08.09.2009)                         Madhyamik
                          Vs.                    Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                     Vidyalaya,
               The State of Maharashtra     (Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                        Banshendra, Tq.
                        & Ors.             divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid                   Kannad, Dist. Chh.
                                                                     divisions of school)                   Sambhajinagar
    WP/          Raju Eknath Gavali            14.06.2002                March 2009            2005       Chhatrapati Shivaji
 13320/2024               Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant         (08.09.2009)                         Madhyamik
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                     Vidyalaya,
                        & Ors.               Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                        Banshendra, Tq.
                                           divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid                   Kannad, Dist. Chh.
                                                                     divisions of school)                   Sambhajinagar
    WP/            Ashok Vitthalrao            16.12.2004                March 2009            1995        Champavati Kanya
 13316/2024           Wahatule             (Full-Time Assistant         (01.03.2009)                      Vidyalaya Chapner,
                          Vs.                    Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                   Tq. Kannad, Dist.
               The State of Maharashtra     (Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                       Chh. Sambhajinagar
                        & Ors.             divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid
                                                                     divisions of school)
    WP/        Sunil Sampatrao Chavan          01.08.2001                March 2008            1995        Champavati Kanya
 13318/2024               Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant         (01.03.2008)                      Vidyalaya Chapner,
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                   Tq. Kannad, Dist.
                        & Ors.              (Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                       Chh. Sambhajinagar
                                           divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid
                                                                     divisions of school)
    WP/         Sunil Shriram Sakhare          16.12.2004                March 2009            1995        Champavati Kanya
 13321/2024               Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant         (01.03.2009)                      Vidyalaya Chapner,
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                   Tq. Kannad, Dist.
                        & Ors.              (Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                       Chh. Sambhajinagar
                                           divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid
                                                                     divisions of school)
    WP/         Sopan Krishnarao Kale          22.06.2004                 2014-2015            1999       Sane Guruji Primary
 13637/2024               Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant         (05.09.2014)                      School Kannad, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                  Kannad, Dist. Chh.
                        & Ors.              (Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                         Sambhajinagar
                                           divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid
                                                                     divisions of school)
    WP/          Ganeshshing Shivaji           14.06.2005                 2014-2015            1999       Sane Guruji Primary
 13314/2024             Nikam              (Full-Time Assistant         (05.09.2014)                      School Kannad, Tq.
                          Vs.                    Teacher)            (Full-Time Assistant                  Kannad, Dist. Chh.
               The State of Maharashtra     (Non grant-in-aid              Teacher)                         Sambhajinagar
                        & Ors.             divisions of school)      (100% grant-in-aid
                                                                      divisions of school
WP/5860/2024   Babasaheb Asaram Aute            19.06.2000                2008-2009         1993-1994       Macchindranath
                          Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant      (Full-Time Assistant                      Vidyalaya
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher(                  Teacher)                       Sawargaon Ghat, Tq.
                        & Ors.              (Non grant-in-aid        (100% grant-in-aid                     Ashti, Dist. Beed.
                                           divisions of school)      divisions of school)
WP/5852/2024    Archana Umaji Kakade           21.06.2003                 2012-2013         1996-1997       Macchindranath
                          Vs.              (Full-Time Assistant      (Full-Time Assistant                      Vidyalaya
               The State of Maharashtra          Teacher)                  Teacher)                       Sawargaon Ghat, Tq.
                        & Ors.              (Non grant-in-aid        (100% grant-in-aid                     Ashti, Dist. Beed.



                                                                  [26]
                                                                                          WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



                                            divisions of school)        divisions of school)
WP/5856/2024       Balaji Govindrao              19.07.2002                  2008-2009               1965         Adarsh Secondary &
                      Wankhede              (Full-Time Assistant        (Full-Time Assistant         (High         Higher Secondary
                          Vs.                     Teacher)                    Teacher)              School)       School Manatha, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra    (Partially grant-in-aid      (100% grant-in-aid                          Hadgaon, Dist.
                        & Ors.            divisions of Jr. College)   divisions of Jr. College)    1993-1994            Nanded
                                                                                                  (Jr. College)
WP/5854/2024     Babasaheb Hausrao             12.12.2003                   2011-2012             1996-1997         Macchindranath
                       Mhaske              (Full-Time Assistant        (Full-Time Assistant                            Vidyalaya
                          Vs.                    Teacher)                    Teacher)                             Sawargaon Ghat, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra     (Non grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid                           Ashti, Dist. Beed.
                        & Ors.             divisions of school)        divisions of school)
    WP/          Wahed Fakira Patel              17.06.2002                  2008-2009               1995           Siddhartha Arts,
 13616/2024               Vs.             (Full-Time Jr. Lecturer)         (29.12.2009)                           Commerce & Science
               The State of Maharashtra      (Non grant-in-aid        (Full-Time Jr. Lecturer)                     College, Jafrabad,
                        & Ors.            divisions of Jr. College)     (100% grant-in-aid                         Tq. Jafrabad, Dist.
                                                                      divisions of Jr. College                            Jalna

                                                                      Retired on 31.03.2024
WP/5857/2024      Sharad Muralidhar            20.06.2005                   2010-2011             1996-1997         Macchindranath
                       Vidhate             (Full-Time Assistant        (Full-Time Assistant                            Vidyalaya
                          Vs.                    Teacher)                    Teacher)                             Sawargaon Ghat, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra     (Non grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid                           Ashti, Dist. Beed.
                        & Ors.             divisions of school)        divisions of school)
WP/5850/2024      Sangita Manikrao               12.07.2000                  2008-2009               1965         Adarsh Secondary &
                       Mundhe               (Full-Time Assistant        (Full-Time Assistant         (High         Higher Secondary
                          Vs.                     Teacher)                    Teacher)              School)       School Manatha, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra    (Partially grant-in-aid      (100% grant-in-aid                          Hadgaon, Dist.
                        & Ors.            divisions of Jr. College)   divisions of Jr. College)    1993-1994           Nanded.
                                                                                                  (Jr. College)
WP/5853/2024   Surendrakumar Ramrao              01.07.2002                  2008-2009                 1965     Adarsh Secondary &
                        Potdar              (Full-Time Assistant        (Full-Time Assistant          (High      Higher Secondary
                          Vs.                     Teacher)                    Teacher)               School)    School Manatha, Tq.
               The State of Maharashtra    (Partially grant-in-aid      (100% grant-in-aid         1993-1994      Hadgaon, Dist.
                        & Ors.            divisions of Jr. College)   divisions of Jr. College)   (Jr. College)      Nanded.
WP/2850/2025     Ramesh Trimbakrao             08.07.2022                  16.06.2008             08.07.1982      Shri Rajeshwar Arts,
                       Gavande            (Full-Time Jr. College      (Full-Time Jr. College                         Commerce and
                          Vs.                    Teacher)                    Teacher)                              Science Jr. College,
               The State of Maharashtra                                                                             Bhokardan, Dist.
                        & Ors.               (Non grant-in-aid          (100% grant-in-aid                               Jalna.
                                            divisions of school)        divisions of school)




     5.        Learned Advocate for the petitioners in all the matters submits that the

     issue raised in these petitions is no more res-integra and has been

     conclusively decided in case of Nilesh Namdev Gurav & Ors. Vs. State of

     Maharashtra reported in 2022 (3) Mh.L.J. 615. The same view has been

     consistently followed by this Court in various judgments. He submits that

     those judgments have been quoted recently in Dattatrya Patingrao Borse Vs.



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                                                    WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



The State of Maharashtra and others, [Writ Petition No.8548 of 2022 with

companion matters decided on 25.02.2026] and, therefore, he seeks

declaration that the petitioners are governed under the old pension scheme

and has prayed for the consequential reliefs.


6.    Per contra, learned AGP Ms. Neha B. Kamble appearing for

respondents/State in all the cases defend the case on similar grounds while

accepting the decision in Dattatrya Patingrao Borse (Supra). She submits that

only liberty be given to the respondents to verify the documents and service

records of the petitioners and time to take a decision be granted.


7.    The issue whether the employees who worked in an unaided division

in November 2005 of an 100% aided school is entitled to pension under the

old pension scheme is no more res-integra, and is conclusively decided by

this Court in the case of Nilesh Namdev Gurav (Supra) and is consistently

followed by this Court in various judgments. We cannot take different view

and we are bound by the same. We are also informed that the view taken by

this Court in the case of Nilesh Namdev Gurav (Supra) and various other

matters is challenged in the Hon’ble Supreme Court. However, the Hon’ble

Supreme Court in none of the matters has granted any interim relief. This

Court has noticed the filing of the S.L.P. in Supreme Court in Writ Petition

No.2796 of 2024 (supra) and has allowed the writ petition as there is no

interim relief granted in the S.L.P. by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

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                                                    WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt




8.    We also agree to the observations in Dattatrya Patingrao Borse (Supra)

that duty is cast upon the respondents to give the employees all the retiral

benefits to which they are entitled to. As quoted therein, Hon’ble Supreme

Court in a case of S. K. Dua Vs. State of Haryana and Ors. reported in AIR

2008 SC 1077 and recently, in UP Roadways Retired Officials And Officers

Association Vs. State of U.P. and another reported in (2024) 9 SCC 331, has

observed that the retiral benefits are not in the nature of bounty and an

employee is entitled as of right to get those benefits immediately after

superannuation, unless they are withdrawn or withheld as a matter of

punishment. The service rules cannot be so molded and interpreted after the

service has begun, unless it is as per law and permitted under the law.


9.    The law as declared in the above judgments is that the employees

similarly placed to the petitioners are entitled to old pension scheme who are

appointed prior to 01.11.2005 in the 100% aided schools and not the DCP

Scheme unless specifically opted by the employees. All the employees who

have not applied for the DCP Scheme and the present petitioners, having not

opted for the DCP Scheme, ought to have been granted the benefit of the old

pension scheme. We do not find any substance in the submission by learned

AGP that a specific mention has to be made and liberty is required to be

given to the respondents to verify the record and then take a decision in the



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                                                     WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



matter. When the entitlement is declared by the Court, the verification will

not assume importance and it would be limited only to the extent of

calculation. Under the said circumstance, we grant identical reliefs to the

present petitioners. Hence, the following order :-

                                  ORDER

      i)     Writ Petitions are allowed.


      ii)    The petitioners are entitled to be governed under the old

      pension scheme i.e. Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1982

      and Maharashtra Civil Services (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1984

      and provisions of General Provident Fund is applicable to Petitioners

      who are either Assistant Teachers or Non-Teaching employees,

      appointed prior to 1st November 2005.


      iii)   The respondents shall extend the benefits of the old pension

      scheme to the petitioners and shall not deduct any amount from the

      salary of the petitioners by applying the DCP Scheme (New Pension

      Scheme). In the event, any amount has been deducted by applying

      the DCP Scheme, such amount shall be refunded to the petitioners

      within a period of four weeks from the receipt of this order.


      iv)    The respondents shall allot the General Provident Fund Account

      (GPF Account) to the petitioners and thereafter, permit the


                                     [30]
                                                    WP-5849-2024 and others (DCPS group).odt



      educational institutions to deduct the amount of monthly contribution

      from the monthly salary of the petitioners and deposit the same in the

      said GPF Account which shall be done within a period of six weeks

      from the receipt of this order.


      v)    The Management is directed to submit the pension proposal as

      regards to the eligible retired employees and to take necessary steps

      thereof.


      vi)   Rule is made absolute in the above terms.




[ HITEN S. VENEGAVKAR ]                        [ SMT. VIBHA KANKANWADI ]
      JUDGE                                              JUDGE


scm




                                        [31]


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