Release pension & benefits to former dean in 2 months: CAT to PGI

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Saturday ordered PGI to release the regular pension and other retirement benefits of Rakesh Sehgal, its former dean, within two months.
CAT stated that since no disciplinary or criminal proceedings were pending against the applicant, Rakesh Sehgal, until his retirement, PGI had no legal right to withhold his regular pension and retirement benefits.
The order issued by PGI on May 3, 2023, linking the release of benefits to GST deposit, was deemed arbitrary and illegal by CAT. CAT has directed PGI to pay the full amount along with 6% interest within two months.
Rakesh had challenged the PGI order, requesting the tribunal to annul the same. He also sought directions for the release of his monthly pension, gratuity and other benefits such as leave encashment.
Sehgal's counsel argued that no disciplinary or criminal proceedings were initiated against the applicant by the date of retirement, thus the respondent, PGI, is not authorised to withhold his pension and retirement benefits. After examining the facts presented in the application and hearing the arguments, CAT ruled in favour of the applicant.