Himachal HC Upholds OPS Benefits for Retired Worker
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ruled in favor of extending Old Pension Scheme (OPS) benefits to a retired peon, recognizing his work charge service for pension eligibility. The decision mandates inclusion of his earlier employment period as qualifying service, citing fairness and previous legal precedents.
- Country:
- India
In a landmark decision, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the state government to provide Old Pension Scheme (OPS) benefits to a retired peon who began as a daily wager and later held a work charge status, establishing that his service time should count towards pension calculations.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Sandeep Sharma in the case of Narender Kumar vs. State of Himachal Pradesh, mandates that Kumar receive OPS benefits, provided he returns amounts from the New Pension Scheme. The High Court dismissed the state's argument regarding Kumar's post-2003 regularization, emphasizing the unfairness of ignoring his years as a work charge employee.
The court addressed concerns about procedural delay by underlining that service-related grievances deserve attention despite timing if they involve recurring injustices without affecting third parties. This decision could set a precedent for many similar cases in the region.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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