State Must Ensure Employee's Claiming Retiral Benefits Don't Succumb To 'Procedural Rigmarole': Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court ruled that state employees should not suffer due to procedural delays when claiming retiral benefits. The court emphasized that fairness and reasonableness are paramount in administrative actions. The case involved Biswa Bhusan Nandi, who had been contesting his claim since 2003. Despite being appointed as a Data Entry Operator in 2009, he was not granted seniority or included in the Old Pension Scheme. The court noted that Biswa had been trapped in a legal rigmarole, moving between the High Court and Tribunal. The court directed the state to ensure that employees do not succumb to procedural hurdles, particularly when the claim pertains to retirement benefits. The judgment underscores the responsibility of the state as a model employer to conduct itself with high probity and ensure that employees’ rights are protected.