Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Government has moved the Supreme Court against the Punjab and Haryana High Court's order regarding the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears to state employees. The state has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP), arguing that complying with the High Court's directive within the stipulated period is financially unviable.
In its petition, the government stated that paying DA arrears amounting to ₹14,191 crore within 15 days is not possible due to the state's financial constraints. The government further submitted salary data comparing Punjab government employees with central government employees, claiming that Punjab staff already receive higher pay scales.
According to the state's argument, implementing the DA order would further increase the salary burden on the exchequer. The matter will now depend on when the Supreme Court lists the SLP for hearing.
Before taking a final call, the apex court is expected to hear the employees' side as well. Employee organizations have already filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure their arguments are considered before any interim order is passed.
Meanwhile, Sukhchain Singh Khaira, President of the Sanjha Mulazim Manch, said the employees would strongly contest the government's appeal. He asserted that just as the state government faced setbacks before both the single bench and division bench of the High Court, it would face a similar outcome in the Supreme Court.
Khaira also pointed out that the High Court's ruling was based on an earlier Supreme Court judgment in a similar case from West Bengal, expressing confidence that the employees' stand would ultimately prevail.
