Jharkhand HC Slams Govt for Withholding Pension, Gratuity of Madrasa Teachers

Ranchi - The Jharkhand High Court has strongly criticised the state government for failing to release pension and gratuity benefits to retired madrasa teachers, despite clear judicial orders issued nearly ten years ago.

Calling the non-compliance a “serious lapse,” the court has directed two senior officials to appear in person at the next hearing. Justice Ananda Sen, while hearing a contempt petition, noted that the government had not adhered to the court’s earlier order dated June 13, 2024.

The court has summoned Rahul Purwar, Principal Secretary of the School Education and Literacy Department, along with the Director of Secondary Education and Literacy. They have also been asked to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for “wilful and deliberate” disobedience of judicial directives.

Justice Sen remarked that ignoring court orders amounts to undermining the authority of the judiciary. The matter has been listed for hearing after eight weeks.

During the hearing, the petitioners pointed out that the state had issued a resolution in 2014 denying pension and gratuity to madrasa teachers retiring after that year. The High Court struck down this decision on October 24, 2014, directing the government to release all post-retirement benefits. However, the petitioners alleged that the ruling was never implemented.

Despite the government filing an affidavit claiming that payments had been made, the petitioners insisted they had not received any benefits. Led by Mohammad Aijabul Haque, several affected teachers again approached the court, accusing the authorities of misleading the judiciary and delaying justice.

Taking note of the contradictory claims, the court has instructed the summoned officials to present a clear and updated status report at the next hearing.

With inputs from IANS