IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWP No. 432/2026 Decided on: 06.01.2026 Devinder Kumar …Petitioner Versus HRTC & Anr. .…Respondents. ………………………………………………………………………………. Coram Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 For the petitioner: Mr. Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Advocate. For the respondents: Mr. Rahul Gathania, Advocate. Jyotsna Rewal Dua, J. Notice. Mr. Rahul Gathania, learned counsel, accepts notice on behalf of the respondents. 2. This writ petition has been filed for the grant of following substantive relief: - “That a writ in the nature of mandamus may kindly be issue, directing the respondents to pay the arrears along with interest @9% per annum flowing out of regularization from the date of initial appointment i.e. 09.05.2002 as per the order dated 08.03.2022 and as per the judgment dated 08.02.2019 rendered by Hon’ble Apex Court in Civil Appeal Nos. 1557-1564 of 2019 (Arising out of SLP (C) Nos. 16158-16165/2016) titled as Himachal Road Transport Corporation Vs. Lekh Ram Etc. Etc. alongwith all service benefits including seniority and arrears etc.” 1 Whether reporters of the local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2 3. The grievance of the petitioner is that, even though the respondents have issued office order dated 08.03.2022 regularizing the service of the petitioner to the post of Conductor from the date of his initial appointment, w.e.f. 09.06.2002, along with consequential/terminal benefits as well as arrears of salary, till date the petitioner has not been paid the arrears of salary in terms of the aforesaid office order. 4. Learned counsel for the respondents has placed on record office instructions dated 06.01.2026 issued by the General Manager (Admin), HRTC, Shimla, and on that basis submits that, out of the arrears due to the petitioner, an amount of Rs.1,96,304/- shall be paid to the petitioner as the first instalment within two days, i.e. by 08.01.2026, and the remaining amount due to the petitioner shall also be cleared within ten weeks, i.e. on or before 19.03.2026. 5. In view of the above submissions made by learned counsel for the respondents, the present writ petition is disposed of by directing the respondents to abide by the assurance given by their learned counsel by paying the first instalment of Rs.1,96,304/- by 08.01.2026 and the remaining arrears by 19.03.2026. In case the amount is not paid within the aforesaid period, the same shall carry interest @ 5% per annum. 3 Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. Jyotsna Rewal Dua Judge 06th January, 2026(rohit)