Agartala, February 21, 2026: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed a Tripura High Court ruling that directed the state government to extend regular pay scale benefits to employees from the first day of service.

A division bench of the High Court, led by Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao, had earlier struck down the fixed pay system, declaring it violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The bench ruled that employees were entitled to regular pay notionally from their initial appointment, with arrears limited to three years prior to the filing of writ petitions. The arrears were to carry 9% annual interest and be settled within three months of the judgment.

The order had overturned a single bench decision that dismissed a similar plea. The state government, represented by the Attorney General of India, challenged the division bench ruling before the Supreme Court through a special leave petition.

After hearing submissions, the apex court issued notices to the respondents, seeking their replies. Tripura Law Secretary Sankari Das is currently in New Delhi to oversee the matter. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 9, 2026.

The High Court’s verdict had been welcomed by several employee unions and organisations, which urged the state government to comply rather than contest the ruling.