Karnataka High Court Orders Release of Pension and Benefits to 70-Year-Old Retired Teacher
The Karnataka High Court has ruled in favor of a retired school teacher who has been struggling for six years to receive his rightful pension and retirement benefits. The court has directed the Karnataka State Government and Rani Channamma University to release his full Death-cum-Retirement Benefits (DCRB), leave encashment, and pending pension arrears within four weeks.
Retired Teacher’s Struggle for Pension
A 70-year-old retired teacher had been waiting for his retirement benefits, which were unfairly withheld for years. Despite working for 34 years, he was denied his rightful pension and other financial dues. Frustrated by the delay, he took the matter to court, seeking justice.
High Court’s Intervention
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, while hearing the case, criticized the State Government for unnecessarily delaying the payments. The court remarked that a person who had worked for over three decades should not be forced to struggle for his basic rights in his old age. The judge expressed concern over the bureaucratic delay and insisted that the government fulfill its duty to retired employees.
Court’s Order to Release Benefits
The Karnataka High Court issued a strict directive, stating that the authorities must release:
- Full Death-cum-Retirement Benefits (DCRB)
- Encashment of Privilege Leave
- Pending Pension Arrears
The court set a deadline of four weeks for the State Government and Rani Channamma University to process and disburse the payments.
Court’s Criticism of the Government’s Actions
During the hearing, Justice Nagaprasanna strongly criticized the government’s approach, questioning why an elderly teacher had to fight for his rightful benefits even after serving for 34 years. The court emphasized that retirement benefits are not a favor but a legal right of employees.
Impact of the Judgment
This ruling highlights the importance of timely payment of retirement benefits and sets a strong precedent for similar cases where pensioners are denied their rightful dues. The High Court’s decision ensures that retired government employees do not suffer due to administrative negligence.
With this order, the retired teacher is expected to receive his long-pending pension and benefits soon, bringing much-needed relief after years of waiting.
