What powers did the Secretary of State and Secretary of State in Council have during the relevant period?
The Secretary of State and Secretary of State in Council had the power to appoint people to a civil service of the Crown in India before the commencement of the Constitution. They also had the power to vary or revoke the conditions of service, remuneration, leave, and pension, as well as rights related to disciplinary matters for those who continued serving under the Government of India or a State after the commencement of the Constitution (Twenty-eighth Amendment) Act, 1972. Furthermore, they could also vary or revoke the conditions of service related to pensions for people who retired or otherwise ceased to be in service before the enactment of the Constitution (Twenty-eighth Amendment) Act, 1972.