GOVT SERVED CONTEMPT OF COURT NOTICE OVER NON-PAYMENT OF SALARIES TO ZILA PARISHAD AND PANCHAYAT SAMITI EMPLOYEES

THE HIGH COURT HAD DIRECTED THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE TIMELY PAYMENT OF SALARIES TO THE EMPLOYEES

Face2News/Chandigarh

The issue of non-payment of salaries and other dues to employees working in various Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis across Punjab since March 2026 has taken a serious turn.

In this regard, the Punjab Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad Employees Association (Regd.), through Advocate Mukesh Pandit, has issued a contempt notice to the Administrative Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Punjab, and the Deputy Controller (Finance & Accounts) of the department.

The notice alleges that despite the order passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on October 6, 2023, in CWP-7169-2020, employees are still not being paid their salaries regularly. The High Court had directed the State Government to ensure timely payment of salaries to the employees.

According to the employees’ association, salaries have remained unpaid since March 2026, causing severe financial hardship to employees and their families. Many employees are struggling to manage household expenses, children’s education, and other basic necessities.

The notice further states that a memorandum issued by the department on March 18, 2026, effectively created a situation where the payment of salaries, pensions, and retirement benefits of Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti employees was withheld, which amounts to a violation of the High Court’s directions.

Advocate Mukesh Pandit stated that such actions amount to willful disobedience of the court’s order and fall under the ambit of civil contempt punishable under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, as well as Article 215 of the Constitution of India.

Through the notice, the concerned authorities have been directed to ensure the release of pending salaries and other dues within 15 days and to comply with the High Court’s directions regarding regular payment of salaries. Failing this, a contempt petition will be filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking appropriate legal action.