The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed a restriction on the Punjab government, preventing them from launching any extensive advertising campaigns until it fulfills its obligation to pay the pending Dearness Allowance (DA) to state employees and pensioners. This decision stems from the enforcement of a ruling by a single-bench judge.
Background of the Court’s Decision
A Division Bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor, handed down the directive on Monday. The ruling came in response to the appeals lodged by the Punjab government and the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) contesting a previous judgment. The prior decision, dated April 8, was issued by a single judge who ordered the state and PSPCL to settle all outstanding DA or Dearness Relief (DR) payments to employees and pensioners by June 30. The rates were to align with those given to members of the All India Services (IAS/IPS/IFS) within Punjab.
Details of the Ruling
In its recent decision, the Division Bench mandated that the payments be completed within two weeks. Should the state default on this directive, the outstanding amounts will accrue simple interest at a rate of 6 percent annually. Furthermore, the court has required a compliance report to be submitted by the end of the current month.
Restrictions on Government Expenditure
The court was explicit in its instructions, stating, “Until all dues are settled, the State of Punjab shall refrain from engaging in any non-essential expenditures such as large-scale advertising campaigns in both print and social media, as these expenses cannot be justified when dues owed to state employees remain unpaid.”
This decision underscores the court’s stance on prioritizing financial obligations to state employees and pensioners over other forms of government expenditure. It reflects a broader judicial perspective that emphasizes fiscal responsibility and adherence to court orders.
