In a landmark decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled on January 25 that a widow remains eligible for family pension even if she is convicted of murder. The court emphasized that family pensions are designed to provide financial support to families after the death of a government employee.
Under the Family Pension Rules, 1964, a person accused of murdering or assisting in the murder of a government employee is initially suspended from receiving a family pension. If convicted, they are permanently barred from claiming it. However, in this case, the court ruled against the suspension, stating it was unjust.
The case involved Baljeet Kaur from Ambala, Haryana. Her husband, Tarsem Singh, a Haryana government employee, passed away in 2008. Baljeet received a family pension until 2011 when she was convicted of murder. Following her conviction, the Haryana government stopped her pension, citing misconduct as per the pension rules.
Baljeet challenged this decision in court, arguing that her conviction should not affect her entitlement to the family pension. The court sided with her and directed the Haryana government to resume her pension payments within a month, including arrears.
The judgment clarifies that under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, a widow is entitled to a family pension after her spouse’s death, even if she remarries. The court’s decision highlights the welfare intent behind pension schemes and the importance of ensuring financial security for families.
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