Gita Rani And Others v. State Of Punjab And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-26781-2025 Date of Decision : September 09, 2025 GITA RANI AND OTHERS -PETITIONERS V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS -RESPONDENTS

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI

Present:

Mr. Tahaf Bains, Advocate for the petitioners.

Mr. Sahil R. Bakshi, A.A.G., Punjab.

*** KULDEEP TIWARI, J. (ORAL) 1.

Through the instant writ petition filed under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, a prayer has been made for issuance of directions to the respondents to grant the petitioners the benefit of Family Pension on account of the services rendered by their respective husbands. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the petitioners are entitled to receive family pension, specifically in the light of the fact that a similarly situated widow, who approached this Court by filing CWP-12047-2021, titled as "Sudesh Kumari vs. State of Punjab and Others" has been extended the same relief of Family Pension. He further submits that, even despite serving legal notices (Annexures P-6 and P-7) to the respondents, the grievance of the petitioners has not been redressed, as no decision has been made thereon.

3.

Notice of motion.

4.

Mr. Sahil R. Bakshi, A.A.G., Punjab, accepts notice on DEVINDER YADAV 2025.09.11 09:10 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment

CWP-26781-2025 behalf of respondents, and submits that the prayer made through the instant writ petition appears to be bona fide, and he has no objection in case a direction is passed to the respondent/authority concerned to take a final decision on the petitioners' legal notices (supra) in a time bound manner.

5.

In view of the above, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, or on the petitioners' entitlement to family pension, this Court directs the competent authority amongst the respondents to consider and decide the petitioners' legal notices (supra) within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. Prior to passing any order, the competent authority shall afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioners.

6.

It goes without saying that, in case, the competent authority finds the petitioners entitled to receive Family Pension, the same shall forthwith be released to them within a period of 04 weeks thereafter. 7.

Disposed of accordingly.

(KULDEEP TIWARI) September 09, 2025 JUDGE devinder Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether Reportable :

Yes/No DEVINDER YADAV 2025.09.11 09:10 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment