Landmark HC judgment upholds equality in service benefits

In a significant ruling delivered on 2nd September 2025, the Jharkhand High Court Bench comprising Justice Ananda Sen, reaffirmed the constitutional principle of equality by directing the State to extend Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) benefits to all eligible medical cadre officers from the same date, regardless of their participation in prior litigation.

The judgment was passed in W.P.S. No. 1125/2025 (Rajesh Kumar & Others vs. State of Jharkhand), where the Petitioners were represented by Debolina Sen Hirani, Advocate, and Kashyapi, Advocate.

Key Highlights of the Judgment

• Uniform Application of DACP Benefits:   All medical officers entitled to DACP benefits must receive them from the original cut-off date of 05.04.2002, as previously upheld in L.P.A. No. 86/2018.

• No Discrimination Based on Litigation Status:  The Court held that similarly situated persons within the same class cannot be denied benefits merely because they did not approach the Court earlier.

• State’s Duty to Ensure Fairness:  The Hon’ble Court emphasized that once a policy entitlement is judicially recognized, it must be applied uniformly to all affected individuals.

Quote from the Judgment

 “…all the similarly situated persons who fall within the same class should be given the same benefits irrespective of the fact that they have filed any litigation before this Court or not,”  Justice Ananda Sen observed.

Impact & Next Steps

This ruling sets a precedent for transparent and equitable governance, especially in service matters affecting large groups. It is expected to benefit numerous retired and serving medical officers who were previously denied DACP benefits due to arbitrary cut-off modifications.