Overbearing Officials Can't Harass Deceased Employee's Family: Allahabad HC Orders Interest On 14-Yr Delay In Payment Of Retiral Dues

The Allahabad High Court directed state authorities to pay 8% interest on the delayed disbursement of retiral dues to the widow of a state employee who died in 2005. The dues, certified in August 2005, were paid only in December 2019 after the widow filed a contempt petition. The court criticized the authorities for their callous attitude and emphasized that the family of a deceased employee should not be harassed for their entitlements. The court ordered the interest to be paid from August 2005 to December 2019 and directed the amount to be released within three months. If not paid within this period, the responsible official would be liable for further delayed interest payments. This ruling underscores the need for prompt and empathetic handling of retiral dues by state authorities and the protection of the rights of deceased employees’ families.