411- WP-12618-2026.DOC IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION WRIT PETITION NO. 12618 OF 2026 Nachiket Keshav Pawar and Anr ...Petitioners Versus The State of Maharashtra Thru Secretary and Ors ...Respondents _______ Mr Vinayak R Kumbhar, with Rajendra B Khaire, i/b Ashwini N Bandiwadekar, for Petitioners. Ms Nisha M Mehra, AGP for Respondents-State. _______ CORAM: G. S. KULKARNI & DR. NEELA GOKHALE, JJ. DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 P.C. 1. We have heard Mr Vinayak Kumbhar, learned counsel for the Petitioners and the learned AGP representing the State. 2. Although there are different prayers, learned counsel for the Petitioners presses prayer clause (b), which reads thus:- “b] By a suitable writ, order or direction, this Hon'ble Court may be pleased to direct the Respondent No. 3 to immediately decide the proposal dated 25.7.2023 [EXHIBIT-E] submitted by the Petitioner No. 2 seeking individual approval to the Petitioner No. 1 in the regular pay scale in the post of Laboratory Assistant, after having completed approved service of 3 years on monthly honorarium, and accordingly to grant such approval and thereafter to release the grant- in-aid for payment of said salary in pay scale with effect from 01.9.2022 onwards, with all arrears.” Shivgan 411- WP-12618-2026.DOC 3. Considering the only relief, which is the subject matter of prayer clause (b) is, that the proposal dated 25th July 2023 as submitted by Petitioner No.2 be decided by Respondent No.3 as expeditiously as possible, we are of the opinion that in the interest of justice, the proposal be decided expeditiously and in any event, within a period of four weeks from today in accordance with law, and after giving an opportunity of hearing to the concerned parties. 4. Let Petitioner No.1 appear before Respondent No.3 on 7th October 2026 at 2.30 p.m. 5. Considering the interest of justice, we were inclined to pass the aforesaid order, as clearly, the aforesaid order would not prejudice the rights and contentions of Respondent No.5. All contentions in that regard are expressly kept open. 6. Disposed of. No costs. (DR. NEELA GOKHALE, J.) (G. S. KULKARNI, J.) Shivgan SHAMBHAVI NILESH SHIVGAN Digitally signed by SHAMBHAVI NILESH SHIVGAN Date: 2026.09.28 15:43:17 +0530