Kerala High Court warns State of contempt of court action if KSRTC pension dues are not cleared

The Kerala High Court has warned the State government of dire consequences if it fails to promptly disburse pension payments due to retired employees of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for the months of July, August and September [K Asokakumar v Dr K Vasuki & anr]..Justice Devan Ramachandran said that the Court is contemplating initiating a suo motu contempt case against the State if it fails to honour its obligation to clear these pension payments. "This Court is still considering whether to register a suo motu contempt case ... which I propose to decide on the next posting date, depending upon the payments now undertaken to be paid by the Government," he said. The judge expressed deep concern over the consequences of delays in making these payments, particularly in view of the recent suicide of a retired KSRTC employee, M Suresh. His family has alleged that he took this extreme step due to severe financial distress."It will certainly be repetitive for this Court to say that the failure to honour even a month’s pension has been creating cataclysmic consequences among the pensioners. This Court is pained to know that people are even taking extreme measures in desperation," the Court observed in its August 29 order..The Court noted that the State is yet to fully comply with directives to clear the pension dues payable for July and August. It warned the government that any further delay in payments, especially with the Onam festival approaching, would not be tolerated."The pension for the month of August will have to be paid immediately; while for September, it will require to be honoured without delay. This is particularly because, we are going to celebrate Onam and this Court cannot allow any pensioner to feel left out or isolated," the Court said. .The Court was hearing a contempt case filed in July 2024 over the failure to comply with directions issued in an August 2022 judgment for the timely payment of pensions to retired KSRTC employees.The civil contempt case was filed by a retired employee (petitioner) who informed the Court on August 14 that the KSRTC was yet to pay pension for July and August 2024..On August 29, Special Government Pleader Santhosh Kumar assured the Court that the State was mindful of the situation and that the delays in pension payments were due to financial constraints. He added that ₹71.5 crores has now been allocated to clear the pending pension dues for July and August. He also sought a week to verify and ensure the payments were completed as promised for the month of August..The Court has posted the matter next on September 4 (Wednesday)."The respondents (State Transport Department) are advised to keep in mind that the delay of payment of pension during Onam would be far more tenuous as far as the pensioners are concerned, when they respond to this Court next," the Court added. .The petitioner was represented by advocates Jose Abraham and E Adithyan..[Read Order]