DIRECTS CHIEF SECRETARY TO APPEAR PERSONALLY
Face2News/Chandigarh:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday took a strict view of the delay in payment of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears to government employees in Punjab. Expressing displeasure over the failure to release the outstanding payments, the court imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the Punjab Chief Secretary and directed him to appear personally before the court to explain the delay.
The High Court took this action in contempt proceedings over the alleged failure to comply with its earlier orders regarding the payment of DA and arrears to government employees.
The court reprimanded the Punjab government for its failure to implement the directions and questioned why employees were being deprived of their legitimate dues.
Taking a stern stance on the matter, the court held the authorities accountable for the non-compliance and sought an explanation from the Chief Secretary regarding the delay in making the payments.
The court’s action underscores the seriousness of complying with judicial orders, particularly in matters concerning the financial entitlements of government employees.
The Chief Secretary has been directed to appear personally before the court and respond to the issues raised regarding the non-payment of the outstanding DA arrears.