Jharkhand HC raps govt over non-payment of pension, gratuity to madrasa teachers, orders top officials to appear in person
Ranchi, Dec 8
The Jharkhand High Court has pulled up the state government for failing to pay pension and gratuity benefits to retired madrasa teachers, despite clear judicial directions issued nearly a decade ago.
Taking a stern view of what it termed a "serious lapse", the court has summoned two senior officers to appear in person at the next hearing.
A bench of Justice Ananda Sen, while hearing a contempt petition, noted that the state had not complied with its earlier order dated June 13, 2024.
The bench directed the Principal Secretary, School Education and Literacy Department, Rahul Purwar, and the Director of Secondary Education and Literacy to be physically present in court at the next hearing.
The court further asked the officers to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for “wilful and deliberate†violation of judicial orders.
Justice Sen observed that ignoring court directives amounts to undermining the judicial process itself.
The matter will be heard again after eight weeks.
During the proceedings, the petitioners argued that the state government had issued a resolution in 2014 denying pension and gratuity to madrasa teachers who retired after that year. When this resolution was challenged, the High Court, on October 24, 2014, struck down the decision and directed the government to release post-retirement benefits to all eligible teachers.
However, the petitioners alleged that the government never implemented the ruling. So they were compelled to file a contempt petition, following which the state submitted an affidavit claiming that the payments had been made.
The petitioners countered this claim, stating that no such payments had been received. Subsequently, Mohammad Aijabul Haque and several other affected teachers again moved the High Court, accusing the authorities of misleading the court and delaying justice.
Taking cognisance of the conflicting statements, the court has asked the summoned officials to submit a clear status report at the next hearing.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's not just about madrasa teachers, it's about the dignity of all retired educators. If the government can ignore a High Court order for so long, what faith do common citizens have in the system? Justice delayed is justice denied. These teachers deserve their pension immediately. ðŸ™
Good move by the HC. Summoning the top officials personally will make them take this seriously. It's a "serious lapse" indeed. The affidavit claiming payments were made when they weren't is even more concerning. That's misleading the court. Strong action is needed.
My father was a government school teacher. I know how crucial that pension is for survival after retirement. To make elderly teachers run from pillar to post for 10 years is cruel. The system is failing its most dedicated servants. Hope this hearing brings them relief.
Respectfully, while the court's action is justified, it highlights a deeper issue of implementation. Orders from 2014? The bureaucratic delay is unacceptable. This isn't about any particular institution, it's about basic worker rights and governmental efficiency. The officers must explain this.
Why was there a resolution in 2014 to deny them benefits in the first place? Madrasas are part of our educational landscape. Their teachers work hard. This feels discriminatory. Glad the court struck it down, but the fight for implementation has taken too long. Salute to Mohammad Haque and others for not giving up.
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