Committee on Disputes clearance no longer bars appeal; dismissal set aside and matter remanded for merits.

The appeal could not be rejected for want of clearance from the High Powered Committee or Committee on Disputes because the later Constitution Bench view had held that that mechanism had outlived its utility. On that basis, the foundation of the earlier dismissal failed, and the matter had to be examined on merits. The impugned order was set aside and the case was remanded to the High Court for fresh decision in accordance with law.

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Issues: Whether the appeal could be dismissed on the ground that clearance from the High Powered Committee or Committee on Disputes had not been obtained, and whether the matter required reconsideration on merits.

Analysis: The prior dismissal rested on the requirement of approaching the High Powered Committee for permission before filing the appeal. The binding later Constitution Bench view had held that the Committee on Disputes mechanism had outlived its utility and the earlier practice could not be sustained. In view of that position, the foundation of the impugned order could not stand.

Conclusion: The impugned order was set aside and the matter was remanded to the High Court for decision on merits in accordance with law.

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