Lakha Singh v. State Of Punjab And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CWP-11786-2023 (O&M) Date of decision: 26.11.2025 Lakha Singh ....Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab and others ....Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR

Present:

Mr. A.P.S. Tung, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Vikas Sonak, AAG, Punjab.

None for respondent No.6.

HARPREET SINGH BRAR J. (Oral) 1.

Prayer in this writ petition filed under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, is for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus, directing the respondents to release the gratuity amounting to Rs.10.00 lacs, leave encashment and other dues of the petitioner. Further a writ of certiorari has been sought, for quashing the letter/reply (Annexure P-3) vide which the total amount payable to the petitioner has been calculated at Rs.8,29,030/-, by calculating the gratuity at Rs3,50,000/- and grant interest @ 18% per annum from the date of its accrual till the date of payment.

2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that he would be satisfied in case the issue involved in the present petition is considered and decided by the Empowered Committee constituted under the Punjab

Dispute Resolution & Litigation Policy, 2020 (hereinafter 'Punjab Litigation Policy') which was notified vide Notification dated 25.06.2020.

3.

There is no representation on behalf of respondent No.6/Society. The situation was not different even on the last date of hearing.

4.

Learned State counsel, on the other hand, submits that he has no objection in case a direction is issued to the Empowered Committee constituted under the Punjab Litigation Policy for a timebound consideration and decision of the issue involved in the present petition by passing a speaking order.

5.

I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record with their able assistance.

6.

In compliance with the order dated 20.03.2025 passed by this Court in CWP-7727-2025 titled as Paramjit Kaur vs. State of Punjab and others, the Government of Punjab has constituted an Empowered Committee vide letter dated 16.04.2025. The said Committee was established under the Punjab Dispute Resolution & Litigation Policy, 2020, which aims to encourage the swift resolution of disputes, reduce future litigation and address the considerable backlog faced by the Courts.

7.

In view of the above, the present petition is disposed of in the following terms:-

i. The Empowered Committee constituted under the Punjab Litigation Policy is directed to treat the present writ petition as a comprehensive representation and consider and adjudicate upon the issue raised herein. In the alternative, the petitioner shall be at liberty to submit a detailed representation setting out the claim within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order.

ii. The Committee shall pass a reasoned and speaking order, after granting an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner, within a period of Four months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order or from the date of receipt of the representation of the petitioner, as the case may be. Furthermore, the decision taken thereof shall be conveyed to the petitioner. Needless to say, if the petitioner is found entitled to the relief sought, the same shall be granted to him forthwith.

7.

Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, shall also stand disposed of.

(HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 26.11.2025 yakub Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No