PCS Rules | Criminal Proceedings Unrelated to Service Can't Justify Withholding Gratuity: Punjab & Haryana High Court

In a significant ruling interpreting Rule 2.2(b) of the Punjab Civil Services Rules, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that criminal proceedings unrelated to official duty cannot form the basis for withholding gratuity of a deceased government employee. The Court directed the authorities to release the withheld gratuity and regularise family pension with 7.5% annual interest, payable from the date of the petition’s filing. Employee’s Gratuity Denied Due…