Item No.S-4 The Executive Engineer vs. Shakti Chand CMP(M) No.1311 of 2026 24.08.2026 Present: Ms. Priyanka Chauhan, Deputy Advocate General, for the applicant-appellant-State. Keeping in view the averments made in the application, duly supported by the affidavit of the official, delay of 04 days in filing the appeal is condoned. The application stands disposed of. LPA No. _______of 2026 & CMP No.______of 2026 Be registered. Learned Deputy Advocate General submits that the connected appeals have also been filed. Office to tag the other appeals along with the present appeal. Inter alia submits that the issue in question is whether the period of daily wage service rendered before regularization is to be counted for the purpose of gratuity or not, under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Reference is made to the pendency of LPA No.403 of 2026 on the same issue. Keeping in view the above, we direct the appellate authority not to disburse the amount, which already stands deposited, till further orders. Office shall also give a report regarding pendency of the Reference as per order dated 05.09.2018. On taking steps within three days, issue notice to the sole respondent, returnable on or before the next date of hearing. List on 27.08.2026 a/w LPA No.403 of 2026. (G.S. Sandhawalia) Chief Justice ( Bipin C. Negi ) August 24, 2026 (KS) Judge