High Court Asks Punjab Irrigation Dept To Release Pensionary Benefits To Widow In 3 Weeks Or Face Stay On Disbursal Of Salaries Of IAS Officers

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Irrigation department to release the pensionary benefits to a widow, whose husband has been missing for nearly three decades, within three weeks or there will be a stay on disbursal of the salaries of all the IAS officers posted in the department.

“On completion of the said formalities, the required amount payable to the petitioners shall be released within a period of three weeks positively, failing which there shall be stay of disbursal of the salaries of all the IAS officers posted in the Department of Irrigation, Punjab,” said the court.

Justice Anil Kshetrapal was hearing the petition for compassionate appointment and the arrears of dues payable to the petitioners. The plea was filed in consideration of the services rendered by Amar Nath, who has been missing since 1993 — a Civil Court has granted a declaration that he has died a civil death.

With regard to the prayer for compassionate appointment, the court said such relief is only granted to immediately support the family who may have lost their sole bread earner in harness.

“After a period of nearly 3 decades, the purpose of immediate support has lost its significance," it added.

On the release of benefits by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, the court noted that the Executive Engineer has already called upon the petitioners to attend his office to complete the formalities to facilitate the release of the aforesaid amount.

The counsel representing the Punjab government submitted that the petitioner can attend the office of the Executive Engineer on May 31 at 10.00 am.

While disposing of the petition, Justice Kshetarpal said,

“It is expected that the Executive Engineer will make himself available in his office in order to avoid harassment to the widow.”

Case Title: Rani Devi and another v. State of Punjab and others

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (PH) 104

Appearances: Advocate Vishal Aggarwal for the petitioners

A. A.G. D.K.Singal for Punjab

Click Here To Download Judgment