Supreme Court 'aghast' at 11-year delay in paying pension dues

The Supreme Court intervened to ensure the payment of these dues and directed an inquiry into the administrative delays and responsibility for the injustice.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: Jagdish Prasad Tripathi; Respondent: State of U.P. through its Principal Secretary & Ors.; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli.

What the court decided

• The Court noted that the petitioner's pension, gratuity, GPF, and arrears have been disbursed following the State's compliance affidavit.
• The Court directed the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to submit a report by 31.12.2026 explaining the reasons for the delay, identifying responsible officers, proposing disciplinary action, and detailing compensation for the rights violation.
• The Court directed the Chief Secretary to issue orders or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure pension papers are not delayed.
• The Court directed a copy of the order to be sent to the Registrar of the Allahabad High Court, requesting the Chief Justice to examine prioritizing pension cases for early disposal.
• The matter was listed for the next hearing on 04.01.2027.

Also in the document

• The Court expressed being 'totally aghast' at the 11-year delay in paying retirement dues to an employee with unblemished service.
• The State initially claimed the petitioner's service was interrupted due to absence, but later corrected this error after verifying salary records, leading to the approval of final pension.
• The Court emphasized that pension is a deferred payment for services rendered, not a bounty or charity.