Overview
- The court directed the electricity department’s Principal Secretary to personally examine the pensionary claims within two months and ensure all lawful benefits are released forthwith.
- The petitioner, Laxmi Devi of Sonepat, has sought family pension and other dues since her husband Maha Singh died in service on January 5, 1974, receiving only an ex gratia payment of ₹6,026.
- Departmental letters showing a GPF account and deductions were noted by the court, contradicting the state’s assertion that the employee was only under EPF/FPF and that dues had already been settled.
- A 2005 writ was disposed of with a direction to pass a speaking order but brought no relief, and a 2022 RTI reply said records were too old and unavailable.
- Justice Harpreet Singh Brar called the case a saga of administrative apathy and underscored the judiciary’s role in securing rights for the most vulnerable.