Rajani Routh v. The State Of West Bengal And ORS.

27.04.2026 In the High Court at Calcutta Item No. 38 Circuit Bench at Jalpaiguri Court No.06 Constitutional Writ Jurisdiction SK(AR(CR) Appellate Side WPA/555/2026 RAJANI ROUTH VS THE STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS.

Mr. Mayank Bhandari, ...for the petitioner.

Mr. Bikramaditya Ghosh, Mr. Pretam Das, Mr. Abhishek Sen, ...for the Jalpaiguri Municipality.

Mr. Subir Kumar Saha, Mr. Kumar Shantanu, ...for the State.

1. The grievance of the petitioner is directed against non-payment of her gratuity and pensionary arrears. It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner that despite having retired as far back as on 31 March 2024, the respondent authorities have failed and neglected to make payment of the above gratuity and arrear pension.

2. On behalf of the State, it is submitted that (subject to examination of the petitioner's claim) they can give no positive date by which such payments can be made.

3. On behalf of the Municipality, it is submitted that they are ready and willing to make payment of the dues payable to the

petitioner subject to necessary verification. However, they are yet to receive any funds from the State. It is also submitted on behalf of the Municipality that they shall make payment within 7 days from receipt of any funds from the State.

4. On behalf of the State respondents, the instructions filed by the Director of Local Body, West Bengal, be kept with the records suggest that the entire pensionary dues for the year ending 2024-25 has been paid by the State to the Municipality.

5. In view of the contradictory and irreconcilable positions taken by both the Municipality and the State, WPA/555/2026 is disposed of by directing the concerned Municipal Authorities being the respondent nos. 4 and 5 respectively to ensure payment of the petitioner's dues, subject to all necessary verifications in accordance with law within a period of 8 weeks from the date of passing of this order.

(RAVI KRISHAN KAPUR, J.)