Sushil Kumar v. State Of Haryana And Others

CWP-14251 of 2026 (O&M)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-14251 of 2026 (O&M) Date of decision : May 08, 2026 Sushil Kumar ...... Petitioner

Versus

State of Haryana and others ...... Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL *** Present :-Mr. Parshant Sethi, Advocate for the petitioner (Through Video Conferencing). Mr. Deepak Vashisht, DAG., Haryana.

*** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (ORAL) 1.

The petitioner through instant petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking direction to respondents to release payment with respect to work carried out by him for the respondent along with interest @ 18% per annum. 2.

Learned State counsel on instructions from Mr. S. K. Tyagi, XEN, Public Health Engineering Department, Hansi submits that vigilance inquiry is pending against the petitioner. The moment vigilance inquiry is concluded, due payment would be released. 3.

This Court, in view of pendency of Vigilance inquiry, cannot direct respondents to release payment, however, respondent in the name of Vigilance inquiry cannot withhold money of the petitioner ARCHANA ARORA 2026.05.08 17:06 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CWP-14251 of 2026 (O&M) for indefinite period. It is basic principle of financial jurisprudence that anyone who withholds money is liable to pay interest because interest is compensatory in nature.

4.

In the backdrop, the petition stands disposed of with a direction to respondents to release payment which is not subject matter of inquiry within 3 months from today. If payment is not released within aforesaid period, the respondent would be liable to pay interest @6% from the expiry of said period. The amount, which is subject matter of Vigilance inquiry and finally found due, shall be released within 4 weeks after conclusion of the inquiry along with interest @ 6% per annum from the date of submission of final bill. 5.

Pending Misc. application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.

( JAGMOHAN BANSAL ) JUDGE May 08, 2026 archana Whether speaking/reasoned Yes Whether Reportable :

No ARCHANA ARORA 2026.05.08 17:06 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document