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Supreme Court Orders West Bengal to Pay 25% DA Arrears, Sparks Joy Among Employees

The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government to release pending dearness allowance arrears, providing major relief to state employees. The court ordered the payment of 25% of outstanding DA for the period from 2008 to 2019, upholding it as a legally enforceable right. BJP leader Nisith Pramanik welcomed the order as "good news" for employees, while CPI(M) leader Md Salim called it a "rightful entitlement." The ruling mandates that any amount paid under this judgment cannot be recovered, even with future changes in law.

Key Points: SC Orders WB to Pay 25% DA Arrears to State Employees

  • SC orders WB to pay 25% DA arrears
  • Relief for nearly 20 lakh state employees
  • Arrears cover period from 2008 to 2019
  • Payment is a legally enforceable right
3 min read

"Good news for state govt employees": BJP leader Nisith Pramanik on SC's directive to West Bengal to provide 25% DA

Supreme Court directs West Bengal govt to clear 25% dearness allowance arrears for employees from 2008-2019, welcomed by BJP and CPI(M).

"This is a rightful entitlement of the workers, teachers, and police officers. - Md Salim"

Cooch Behar, February 6

BJP leader Nisith Pramanik on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's directive to the West Bengal government to release the pending dearness allowance to state employees.

Speaking to ANI, Pramanik said, "The Supreme Court's order to provide 25% DA is certainly good news for the state government employees. If employees in all other states and union territories receive full DA, why not in West Bengal? Now that the Supreme Court has issued this order, a wave of happiness has swept through the state government employees."

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) State Secretary, Md Salim, also welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court on the West Bengal government to clear a 25% dearness allowance (DA) for state workers, teachers, and police officers. He called it a "rightful entitlement" that the state government, under Mamata Banerjee, had previously challenged in court.

The CPI (M) State Secretary said, "This is a rightful entitlement of the workers, teachers, and police officers. Just 2 days ago, the Kerala government announced the Dearness Allowance. Mamata Banerjee even went to court to argue that the DA is not a right. But the High Court ruled against it. Yet, Mamata Banerjee did not accept the court's decision. Today, after deliberation, the (Supreme) court has determined that a 25% increase is necessary, and the amount must be paid. We welcome this development and believe the court will ensure that workers and others receive their rightful dues this time. On the 12th February, the workers of the country, teachers, farmers, labourers, and others who are at the forefront of the struggle, will also take part in demanding their rights."

In the long-pending dearness allowance (DA) dispute between the West Bengal government and its employees, the Supreme Court on Thursday granted major relief to nearly 20 lakh State government employees by upholding their right to receive DA and directing the State to clear long-pending arrears.

In its judgment, a bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra ordered that DA arrears for the period from 2008 to 2019 must be paid to State employees and reiterated its interim order dated May 16, 2025, under which the State was required to release at least 25% of the outstanding amount.

The Court held that payment of DA is a legally enforceable entitlement of employees and clarified that any amount disbursed pursuant to the judgment shall not be recovered even if there is a subsequent change in law. The Court said, "The employees of the Appellant-State shall be entitled to release of arrears in accordance with this judgment for the period 2008-2019,"

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is a welcome step by the Supreme Court. But let's be honest, this is a political game. Both BJP and CPI(M) are welcoming it to score points against TMC. The real heroes are the employees who fought for their rights for over a decade. Hope they get the money soon.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has family in West Bengal government service, I can tell you the stress this delay has caused is immense. The court's clarification that the money won't be recovered even if laws change is crucial. It gives people the confidence to actually spend it when it comes.
A
Aman W
Good news indeed! But 25% is just a start, right? The article says arrears from 2008-2019. That's 11 years! The full amount must be calculated and paid with interest. Government employees are the backbone of administration, they deserve their full dues.
K
Karthik V
While I'm happy for the employees, I have a respectful criticism. The timing is interesting, just before the 12th Feb protest mentioned by the CPI(M) leader. Our courts are pillars of democracy, but we must ensure such vital welfare decisions are not seen through a political lens.
M
Meera T
This is a huge relief for nearly 20 lakh families! Teachers, police, clerks... all were suffering. Now the state government must comply promptly and not find another excuse to delay. The money will boost the local economy also. A positive verdict all around! 🙏

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