Ajay Kumar vs NORTHERN RAILWAY on 5 November 2026

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL PRINCIPAL BENCH 61/35, COPERNICUS MARG,NEW DELHI-110001 Order Sheet Item no.: 5 O.A./4445/2026 (DELHI) [ PAY FIXATION ] Court No.: 5 No of Adjournment: Order Dated: 05/11/2026 AJAY KUMAR Vs NORTHERN RAILWAY

For Applicant(s) Advocate : Mr Yogesh Sharma with Ms Sonika For Respondent(s) Advocate : Mr Anmol Pandita Order of The Tribunal MA No. 5736/2026, application for joining together is allowed. OA No. 4445/2026 The applicants contend that pursuant to the recruitment notification issued by the respondents in 2012–2013 for various Group ‘D’ posts in Northern Railway, they had fulfilled all the eligibility criteria and qualified the requisite stages of selection. However, their candidature was rejected on the ground of mismatch in handwriting/signatures appearing on the application forms, OMR answer sheets and documents submitted at the time of verification. Aggrieved thereby, they approached this Tribunal, and their OAs were allowed. In compliance with the Tribunal's directions, after obtaining the CFSL report, their candidature was restored where they were appointed as Track Maintainer Grade-IV in March 2024.

The applicants thereafter sought notional appointment, pay fixation and seniority from the dates on which their batchmates/junior candidates of the same selection year were appointed. Their representations were directed to be considered by this Tribunal. They further rely upon orders dated 24.07.2025 and 28.07.2025 passed by the respondents granting similar benefits to similarly situated persons, as well as the judgment dated 23.04.2026 passed by the Chandigarh Bench of this Tribunal in OA No. 569/2025. The applicants are aggrieved by the rejection of their representations vide orders dated 22.05.2026 (Applicant No. 1) and 08.04.2026 (Applicants No. 2 to 5). They contend that the respondents have illegally and arbitrarily denied them the benefit of notional pay fixation and seniority at par with their batchmates. They also dispute the respondents' assertion that their seniority has been correctly assigned, stating that their seniority has not yet been finalised. Heard. Issue notice to the respondents. Mr Anmol Pandita, learned counsel who appears on advance service, accepts notice for the respondents. He seeks and is granted four weeks' time to file counter reply. Rejoinder, if any, may be filed within two weeks thereafter. List on 02.02.2027 before the completion of pleadings before the PR Court.. Shri Rajveer Singh Verma Member (J) Chhabilendra Roul Member (A) Pinky Yadav ( steno 'c' )