SC rips into Punjab Govt over ‘most shameless’ remark

The Supreme Court on Wednesday blasted the Punjab government for its “most shameless” act of denying responsibility for a law officer’s statement on pension benefits.

A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and N. Kotiswar Singh confronted Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, who appeared virtually, for failing to implement past court orders. The court warned him to either resolve the issue or face contempt action.

“You are taking the court for a ride. Repeated undertakings were given, yet now the government claims the law officer’s statement doesn’t bind it. Can you justify this?” the bench asked Sinha.

The court demanded a direct answer on whether Punjab would grant pensionary benefits as ordered. Advocate General Gurminder Singh sought a week to respond, citing a “subsequent legislation” that restricted action. However, the court refused further delays.

“We won’t grant more time. The state cannot claim its law officers’ statements are mere executive remarks,” the bench stated. Considering Punjab’s repeated defiance, the court proposed contempt proceedings against Sinha. Singh pleaded for more time, assuring “positive action.” Accepting this, the bench deferred the contempt notice but warned against further excuses.

The frustration stems from Punjab’s failure to implement the Punjab Privately Managed Affiliated and Government-Aided Colleges Pensionary Benefits Scheme, 1996. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered its enforcement in July 2001, yet the state repeatedly sought extensions.

Instead of complying, the government introduced new rules in 2002, effectively weakening the scheme. This led to fresh litigation, with the state later promising to withdraw the rules in 2011. Despite multiple court orders, Punjab continued delaying compliance, citing procedural hurdles.

In 2012, the government repealed the 2002 rules but instead of restoring the 1996 scheme, it scrapped it retroactively from April 1, 1992, further frustrating employees. The Supreme Court, in its February 18, 2025, order, slammed the government for misleading courts and failing to honor commitments.

The court condemned Punjab’s repeated attempts to shift blame, warning that such tactics undermine judicial authority. The next hearing is scheduled for March 24.