The Jharkhand High Court on Monday came down sharply on the state government for failing to release pension and gratuity to retired teachers of Madrasas, despite previous judicial directions.
Hearing a contempt petition filed by Mohammed Ejabul Haque, Justice Ananda Sen summoned the principal secretary of the School Education and Literacy Department and the director of Secondary Education to appear in person and face contempt proceedings.
The plea pointed out that in 2024, the High Court had directed the state government to ensure payment of pension and gratuity to teachers who retired from Madrasas. However, the state allegedly did not comply.
The petitioner submitted that the government had earlier issued a notification depriving teachers who retired after 2014 of pension and gratuity benefits. On October 24 last year, the High Court had set aside this notification.
Despite the court order cancelling the notification, Haque stated that the government has been “slack” in implementing the decision, resulting in no release of gratuity or pension in favour of the retired teachers.
The bench expressed dissatisfaction over the state’s inaction and directed the senior officials to appear before the court.
The matter will be heard again after eight weeks.
