Nagendra Pathak vs State Of Bihar Through The Chief Secretary And Ors

Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned counsel for the opposite parties.

Before us, it is not in dispute that the petitioner is entitled to the emoluments in accordance with law. There is no dispute with regard to the entitlement; the quantification of the amount and the obligation of the State to disburse the amount to the same more so expeditiously. The petitioner's rights stood crystalised way back on 08.05.2014 with passing of the judgment by this Court in L.P.A. No. 1031 of 2013, titled as Nagendra Pathak vs. The State of Bihar & Ors., which stands affirmed by the Hon'ble Apex Court with the dismissal of the Special Leave Petition so filed by the State. It is seen that petitioner had also approached the Principal Secretary for release of monetary benefits, regretfully the same has not been done till date.

In the instant petition so filed under Article 215 of the Constitution of India and Sections 11 and 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, the petitioner has highlighted the apathy and willful disobedience on the part of the respondents in not complying with the directions contained in the judgment rendered in Nagendra Pathak (supra). We have no doubt that with the dismissal of the Special Leave Petition, the respondents were duty bound to release the amount.

Be that as it may, we direct the Principal Secretary, General and Administrative Department, Government of Bihar to forthwith, and not later on two weeks from today, release the monetary benefits in terms of the judgment rendered in Nagendra Pathak (supra), failing which the benefit of interest payable to the petitioner, under the Statute, shall be personally deducted from the salary of the erring officials.

At this stage, we refrain from passing any further orders against each one of the respondents named herein, who are all Government officers and officials, and dispose of the petition reserving liberty to the petitioner to revive the same, if need so arises.

Mr. Prabhat Kumar, learned counsel for the State, undertakes to communicate the order to each one of the respondents herein as also the present incumbent of the post of the Principal Secretary, General Administrative Department, Government of Bihar, by all modes i.e., email, telephone and registry with A/D.

Mr. Raj Nandan Prasad, learned counsel, states that his client i.e., Accountant General, Government of Bihar, Patna shall take all steps for releasing the amount in accordance with law.