Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 18: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, has castigated the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) for withholding gratuity dues of a retired officer for over a decade, while reiterating that pension is a vested right and not a matter of generosity on the part of the State.
The case pertained to Ghulam Nabi Shah, 72, a retired Section Officer from Budgam, who superannuated in January 2012. Despite obtaining a "No Dues Certificate" in June 2012, his gratuity of ?50,000 was not released, compelling him to approach the Tribunal after 12 years of delay.
Delivering the order, Member (Judicial) M.S. Latif underscored that pensionary benefits are constitutionally protected under Article 300A, and any delay in their release amounts to infringement of not only service rules but also the human rights of a retiree.
The Tribunal noted that communications between the Accountant General's office and the PDD had failed to secure relief for the petitioner, reflecting "administrative indifference of an unwarranted nature." It directed the respondents to release the gratuity amount within seven days. Taking a "lenient view," the Bench also imposed exemplary costs of ?10,000 on the officials concerned, to be borne equally. The Tribunal said the costs were intended as a corrective measure, reminding authorities of their obligation to treat pensioners with fairness and sensitivity. The matter has been posted for compliance on August 29, 2025.
—(JNF) |
