SC Issues Contempt Notice To Punjab Chief Secretary Over Non-Implementation Of 1996 Pension Scheme

The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others for wasting the court’s time. It has sought their response regarding the non-implementation of a three-decade-old pension scheme. The court will hear the case again on March 24.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Suryakant, and N Kotishwar Singh criticized the Punjab government for claiming that statements made by the Additional Advocate General in the service case were not binding on the state. Justice Oka firmly stated that the court would no longer accept oral statements from Punjab and that officers must submit affidavits.

The case stems from a petition by Rajnish Kumar and others, demanding the implementation of the Punjab pension scheme delay. The Punjab Privately Managed Affiliated and Punjab Government Aided College Pensionary Benefits Scheme was issued on December 18, 1996, but remains unimplemented.

In 2001, the Punjab government assured the High Court that the scheme would finalized in three months. However, in 2002, the Principal Secretary of Higher Education apologized for non-compliance. Instead of implementing the scheme, the government introduced a new plan, leading to further disputes. Despite repeated assurances, the scheme remains pending.

During the hearing, Punjab’s Chief Secretary appeared via video conferencing. The court warned the government that officers could face jail time for non-compliance. It had earlier noted that the state had given multiple undertakings to the High Court but failed to act. The Supreme Court will now review the matter on March 24 to determine further action regarding the Punjab pension scheme delay.

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