Minor name discrepancies in PPO do not bar family pension release by competent authorities per government instructions.

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first to sixth respondents to sanction and disburse the family pension payable to the petitioner.

2. The case of the petitioner is that her husband, late Jayarama Krishnan, having worked in the Educational Department, retired from service on attaining the age of superannuation on 31.05.2004 and his terminal benefits were settled vide PPO No.C605414/EDA dated 30.07.2004. In Part II of the said PPO, the name of the petitioner was included as a person eligible for family pension. However, while entering her name, instead of mentioning it as “Murugeswari J”, it was incorrectly mentioned as “Murugeswari M”. In view of the same, the respondents have not released the family pension in favour of the petitioner upon the demise of her husband on 24.12.2025. Hence, the petitioner has approached this Court by filing the present Writ Petition.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner contended that in the light of the instructions issued by the Office of the Principal Accountant General in Proceedings bearing reference No.PAG (A&E)/EM/Erratum to PPO/2025-26/574-36801 dated 13.06.2026, minor discrepancies in the name need not be referred to the Office of the Accountant General for issuance of modification orders or errata and the same can be judiciously considered by the Joint Pension Payment Officer and other authorities who are competent for release of the family pension. However, the fourth respondent has failed to take any steps for release of the family pension, thereby subjecting the petitioner to severe hardship.

4. Mr.N.Satheesh Kumar, learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the second to sixth respondents, also submitted that in the light of the instructions issued through proceedings dated 13.03.2026, there is no necessity to refer the matter to the Office of the Accountant General and it is for the fourth respondent to act upon the said instructions and take necessary steps for release of the family pension in favour of the petitioner.

5. Further, it is brought to the notice of this Court that the petitioner has already submitted a representation dated 14.01.2026 before the fourth respondent and the same is pending consideration.

6. In the light of the above, this Writ Petition is disposed of at the admission stage, with the consent of all parties, directing the fourth respondent to consider the representation dated 14.01.2026 submitted by the petitioner, duly taking into consideration the instructions issued through proceedings dated 13.03.2026 and to take all necessary steps for the release of family pension to the petitioner as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.