Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Punjab chief secretary

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a showcause contempt notice to the Punjab chief secretary for failing to implement a three-decade-old pensionary benefits scheme in the state.

Coming down heavily on the Punjab government and chief secretary, a bench headed by justice Abhay Oka asked the chief secretary to explain as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for the violation of the undertakings.

SC said if the official felt some other officer was at fault, he (chief secretary) was "free to file an affidavit" giving the names or other details of the officers responsible for the court to initiate similar action against them.


SC also issued notice to the deputy director, office of director for public instruction (colleges), Punjab, seeking his response on why action should not be initiated against him for filing a false affidavit. The matter will come up for resumed hearing on March 24.

The development took place during the hearing of a case seeking extension of the benefit of Punjab Privately Managed Aided Colleges Pension Scheme, 1996, to some employees.