Punjab & Haryana High Court on Delay in Release of Death-cum-Retiral Benefits.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court directed the respondent authorities to treat the writ petition as a representation and decide upon the petitioner’s claim for release of death-cum-retiral benefits of her deceased husband within two months. The Court further ordered that, if found entitled, the payment should be made within one month thereafter, along with applicable interest as per law. The Court disposed of the petition without commenting on the merits.

1. The petitioner, Sunita Kaushal, approached the Court seeking a direction to the State authorities to release the death-cum-retiral benefits of her deceased husband.
2. She also sought interest at 12% per annum on account of delay in payment of these benefits.
3. Counsel for the petitioner, Mr. R.K. Arora, Senior Advocate (assisted by Mr. Jugam Arora, Advocate), submitted that the petitioner would be satisfied if a direction was issued to respondent No. 2 to consider her claim and decide it within a fixed timeframe.
4. The learned State counsel, Mr. Satnam Preet Singh Chauhan, DAG, Punjab, accepted notice and did not oppose the prayer.

1. Justice Deepinder Singh Nalwa noted that the petitioner’s grievance related to delay in release of posthumous benefits owed to a deceased government employee’s family.
2. Since both parties agreed to a time-bound disposal, the Court found it appropriate to direct the competent authority to treat the writ petition as a representation.
3. The Court also made it clear that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the petitioner’s claim, leaving the decision to the administrative authority concerned.

1. The writ petition was disposed of with the following directions:
2. “Respondent No. 2 shall treat the present writ petition as a representation of the petitioner and decide the same within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order.
3. If the petitioner is found entitled to the relief sought, the same shall be released within one month thereafter, as per law.”
4. The Court clarified that any pending applications would also stand disposed of.
5. The order was passed without commenting on the merits of the case.

1. Articles 226 & 227, Constitution of India – Power of High Courts to issue writs and exercise supervisory jurisdiction.
2. General Service Law Principles – Duty of the employer to release retiral and death benefits promptly.

Case: Sunita Kaushal v. State of Punjab & Ors.

Court: High Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh

Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepinder Singh Nalwa

Date of Decision: 27 October 2025

Writ Petition (CWP) No.: 31341 of 2025 (O&M)