pension a legal right should not be delayed even by a day- Cacutta Hgh Court

The Calcutta High Court, in a recent judgment, emphasized that pension is not a charitable act but a legal right of employees, underscoring that its disbursal should not be delayed, even by a day.  This ruling came while reprimanding the Hooghly Chinsurah Municipality for attributing delays in releasing pensions to 148 retired Group D employees to technological issues. 

Justice Gaurang Kanth stated that pensions, earned through years of service, must not be delayed, especially due to technological or administrative shortcomings.  The issue arose after these workers, employed since 1991–92 and later redesignated under the 'Conservancy Worker' post, found their pension blocked post-retirement in 2023.  The delay was attributed to the failure of integrating their data into a new digital pension portal, due to non-recognition of their traditional job titles.  The High Court directed the municipality to submit the necessary documentation within a week and for the directorate to complete redesignation within two weeks.  If there are no vacant posts, the municipality must create supernumerary positions to facilitate pension release within four weeks.  

Justice Kanth further remarked that any undue delay in the disbursement of pension, especially if caused by technological shortcomings or administrative lapses, is impermissible and contrary to the principles of equity, justice, and good governance.  He stressed that it is incumbent upon the State and its instrumentalities to ensure that the deployment of technological systems does not result ... .  

For a detailed overview of the judgment, you can refer to the Times of India article: Pension isn't charity but a legal right, shouldn't be delayed even by a day: HC. 

Can u get me full judgement with citation