On Monday, the Supreme Court expressed strong criticism towards the Punjab government for its persistent failure to implement a pension benefit scheme dating back to 1996. Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan presided over the hearing, voicing significant concerns over the state’s disregard for judicial directives.
The court highlighted that despite repeated assurances, the Punjab government had not acted to enforce the Punjab Privately Managed Affiliated and Punjab Government Aided Colleges Pensionary Benefits Scheme, 1996. The frustration was palpable as Justice Oka condemned the state’s approach towards the judiciary, emphasizing that such neglect could not be overlooked.
“We cannot brush aside how courts are treated by the state governments,” Justice Oka remarked, indicating a severe trust deficit. “We will record that no officer of the state can be trusted. The state has taken the court for a ride.”
In an unusual move, the bench stated that if the state continues to fail in its duties, the court itself would step in to ensure that monetary benefits are awarded to the beneficiaries directly. This statement underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals against administrative inaction.
The Supreme Court had issued a contempt notice to the Punjab chief secretary on March 5, due to non-compliance with the scheme’s implementation and for violating the undertaking to do so. The matter has been adjourned to April 1, giving time for the Punjab counsel to receive further instructions from the state government.
