Back
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK
S.K.PANIGRAHI
Bijaya Krishna Panigrahi – Appellant
Versus
State of Odisha – Respondent
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. overview of the case and background facts. (Para 1 , 2 , 3) |
| 2. petitioner's arguments for pension entitlement. (Para 4 , 5) |
| 3. errors in withholding pensions without statutory backing. (Para 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17) |
| 4. legal framework surrounding pension rights. (Para 18) |
| 5. court's directive to release pension. (Para 19 , 20 , 21) |
Judgment :
S.K. Panigrahi, J.
1. Since common question of facts and law are involved in both the above-mentioned Writ Petitions, the same were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment. However, this Court felt it apposite to deal the W.P.(C) No.30151 of 2020as the leading case for proper adjudication of all these cases.
2. The Petitioner, by way of W.P.(C) No.30151 of 2020, contest the withholding of his retirement benefits and regular pension on the grounds of pending vigilance proceedings against them.
I. FACTUAL MATRIX OF THE CASE
3. The brief fact of the case in brevity remains:-
(i) The petitioner was selected and appointed as an Inspector of Commercial Taxes under the Finance Department and joined the post on 23.01.1984. While he was serving the Commercial Tax Officer, Bhubaneswar-IV Cir
Pensionary benefits are a fundamental right and cannot be withheld due to pending investigations without statutory backing, affirming they cannot be treated as discretionary payments.
Pension is a fundamental right and property under Article 300A, and cannot be withheld without statutory authority, regardless of pending vigilance proceedings.
Government employees are entitled to pension and retirement benefits if no departmental or judicial proceedings are pending at the time of retirement, in accordance with the prescribed rules.
Pensionary benefits can only be withheld if a charge sheet has been filed and cognizance taken in a criminal case; mere allegations without formal proceedings do not justify withholding such benefits....
Pension rights are vested and cannot be arbitrarily denied; disciplinary actions post-retirement must adhere to statutory limits prohibiting proceedings for incidents beyond four years.
Pension is a property right that cannot be withheld without lawful authority; withholding based on proceedings initiated post-retirement is unlawful, and interest must be paid for delays in disbursem....
An indispensable Tool for Legal Professionals, Endorsed by Various High Court and Judicial Officers
Please visit our Training & Support
Center or Contact Us for assistance
Scan Me!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
For Daily Legal Updates, Join us on :
Back to top
