Ex-Dean files contempt petition against PGI

A former dean of the PGI has filed a contempt petition before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) here, claiming that the institute has failed to implement the tribunal order dated April 10, 2025, to release his regular pension and other retirement benefits within a period of two months.

The Bench, in its order, had stated that since no disciplinary or criminal proceedings are pending against the applicant, Dr Rakesh Sehgal, till his retirement, the action of the respondents (PGI) in withholding his regular pension and retirement benefits is not sustainable in the eyes of law. The Bench had fixed two-month time for the implementation of its order.

Dr Sehgal, through counsel Karan Singla, had challenged the order of the PGI vide which his retirement benefits were withheld. He prayed before the tribunal to quash and set aside the order as it restrains the release/settlement of the retirement benefits and other dues. He also prayed for issuing the direction to release monthly pension gratuity and other benefits.

Singla had argued that neither any disciplinary proceedings nor criminal or civil proceedings were instituted against the applicant on or before the date of retirement and even today also.

Therefore, the respondents cannot withhold his pension and retirement benefits.

The stand of the respondents that the retirement dues will be settled after the reply sought by them with respect to GST deposit details is held to be arbitrary and illegal, and the PGI order dated May 3, 2023, is liable to be quashed to that extent.

After hearing the arguments, the Bench concluded that the applicant is also entitled to interest on the arrears of pension and other retirement benefits at the rate of 6% per annum. to be calculated after two months of retirement till the date of payment.

The next hearing on the petition has been fixed for July 16.