Deceased employees: HC pats state for relief policy

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 21

Haryana’s policy of providing a deceased employee’s last drawn salary to his dependants for 15 years or till the time he is due to retire has earned the government a pat on its back from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

A Division Bench of the High Court has suggested its replication by other states. The Bench of Justice AB Chaudhari and Justice Harnaresh Singh Gill asserted that the government must be applauded for a solution regarding dependants.

“In our opinion, a period of 15 years is good enough for the family to make arrangements for survival, which will include savings from the said salary by putting the same for earning interest for further security,” the Bench observed.

The Bench noted that the policy did not violate Article 14 of the Constitution on the right to equality and was required to be upheld. The Bench stated that it was almost impossible to get compassionate appointment and there was litigation for claiming it.

Dismissing a petition, the Bench observed that it was bereft of merit and nothing wrong could be found with the clause in a notification in this regard. The ruling came on a petition filed by Shilpa against Haryana and other respondents.

The petitioner’s counsel submitted that the clause provided for financial assistance, but the restriction placed by the state government 

should be set aside and the petitioner granted additional relief, including employment.