In a landmark ruling that brings closure to a nearly two-decade-long legal struggle, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has firmly upheld the rights of an adopted son to his father's pension. The court dismissed an appeal by the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) and directed it to release all retiral benefits, including family pension, with interest.
A Legal Marathon Concludes
The case, which began in 2006, reached its final resolution on December 23, 2025, when Justice Sudeepti Sharma dismissed the PSEB's regular second appeal. The court upheld the concurrent findings of both the trial court and the first appellate court, which had originally ruled in favour of the claimant, Jagan Nath.
The dispute centered on Jagan Nath's claim to the family pension and other service benefits of Jokhu Ram, a PSEB watchman who served for approximately 30 years and died unmarried. Jagan Nath asserted he was legally adopted by Jokhu Ram in 1990 through a registered adoption deed, a fact supported by his biological parents who consented to the adoption.
Court Validates Adoption, Criticizes Delay
The High Court meticulously examined the evidence, rejecting the PSEB's challenge to the adoption's validity. The court noted that the adoption deed dated December 26, 1990, was duly proved, with an endorsement from the following day. Both biological parents appeared as witnesses to confirm the adoption.
Furthermore, documentary evidence demonstrated that Jokhu Ram had consistently treated Jagan Nath as his son and nominee. The court also dismissed the board's argument that the adoption was invalid because Jagan Nath was allegedly over 15 years old at the time. The judgment pointed to page two of the adoption deed, which clearly stated his age as "about 14 years," a fact corroborated by his biological parents' testimony.
In a sharp observation, Justice Sharma highlighted the injustice of the prolonged litigation. The second appeal, filed in 2006, was decided "after almost 19 years, because of which the respondent is deprived of his right to benefits." The court emphasized that justice demanded Jagan Nath not be forced into further execution proceedings to claim what was rightfully his.
Directive for Swift Justice
The court also took note of the PSEB's contradictory conduct, pointing out that the board had already released Jokhu Ram's unpaid salary and other amounts to Jagan Nath, acknowledging him as the son and legal heir.
To provide finality and relief, the High Court issued a clear directive. It ordered the appellants—the PSEB and others—to disburse all due benefits to Jagan Nath. This includes the family pension and other retirement dues, along with interest calculated at 9 per cent per annum. The court mandated that this payment be made within a strict timeframe of two months from the date of the order. The parties were left to bear their own costs.
This ruling reinforces the legal principle that an adopted child holds equal rights to inheritance and benefits as a biological child. It serves as a stern reminder to government authorities about the human cost of protracted litigation and their duty to honour legitimate claims without unnecessary delay.
