Telangana High Court Expresses Shock Over Delayed Retirement Benefits, Sets Strict Deadline
The Telangana High Court has expressed profound shock and dismay over the state government's persistent failure to disburse retirement benefits to thousands of retired employees. Justice N Rajeshwar Rao, while hearing a batch of contempt petitions on Monday, made scathing observations, emphasizing that the retired employees are merely asking for their own hard-earned money, not government funds.
Court's Stern Rebuke and Directives
Justice Rao made these critical remarks during the hearing of contempt cases filed by retired employees after previous court orders to release their benefits were blatantly ignored. The petitions highlighted that retirement dues are pending for more than 3,600 former government employees. Shockingly, the government informed the court that while payments have been cleared for approximately 1,000 employees, a staggering 2,600 individuals are still awaiting their rightful benefits.
Taking serious note of this alarming situation, the court pointed out that 85 retired employees have already passed away without receiving their dues, questioning the inordinate and unjustifiable delay in clearing these payments. The judge directed Principal Secretary of Finance, Sandeep Kumar Sultania, who appeared before the court virtually, to ensure all pending payments are cleared by April 9.
"It's Their Money, Not Government's": Judge's Firm Stance
Addressing Sultania directly, Justice Rao stated, "You are also an employee. You know employees' problems. You are not giving your or the government money. It's their money." The judge firmly rejected Sultania's initial request for a month's extension to clear the dues, warning that failure to comply with the April 9 deadline would necessitate Sultania's physical appearance in court for subsequent hearings.
"Clear the payments and tell the court and employees good news," the judge instructed, adding sternly, "You will face the music if you do not clear the dues." This directive came after Sultania's virtual appearance in the evening, where he initially stated that dues could be cleared by March-end based on cash flow, but later admitted it would be challenging.
Government's Excuses and Court's Rejection
Earlier in the day, counsel for the finance department had sought additional time for payments and exemption from Sultania's appearance, citing the officer's preoccupation with the ongoing assembly session. The court unequivocally declined this request, insisting on Sultania's presence. When Sultania suggested he would halt other payments to prioritize these dues due to court insistence, Justice Rao took strong objection.
"The court is not insisting on clearing payments; it is mandatory to clear payments of retired employees," the judge clarified. When Sultania proposed a month's extension for smoother sectoral payments, the judge retorted, "So far, 86 persons have died. How many more days do you want to drag the matter? The matter is pending for months and several adjournments have already been given."
Broader Implications and Adjournment
Asserting that sufficient time had been granted, Justice Rao further observed that courts serve as protectors of the government as well, not just litigants. The hearing was subsequently adjourned, with the court maintaining a vigilant stance on compliance. This case underscores critical issues of judicial accountability, government efficiency, and the welfare of retired public servants in Telangana.
The court's intervention highlights a systemic failure in administrative processes, affecting thousands of families dependent on these retirement benefits. The April 9 deadline now looms as a crucial test of the government's commitment to its former employees and respect for judicial mandates.
