BIANGHUN MYRBOH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The brief facts of the case is that the writ petitioner is the legal wife of the deceased (L) Danny Boy Nongrum who was working as Mazdoor in the office of the Garrison Engineer, Shillong who expired on 03.01.2000. The petitioner, being entitled to family pension was given intimation of Pension Payment Order (PPO) in her favour by letter dated 15th October, 2001 issued by the Garrison Engineer, Elephant Falls Camp, Nonglyer, Post, Shillong. The said letter also gave a direction and advise to the petitioner to contact SBI, DGAR, Laitumkhrah Shillong to obtain payment for pension/gratuity as sanctioned by the CCDA (P) Allahabad.

(2.) The writ petitioner, however, not being aware about the significance of the PPO, and steps that were required to be taken to avail Family Pension did not pursue the matter for long 17 years, till 12th July, 2017 when she submitted a representation to the Garrison Engineer for release of family pension. In reply to the said representation the respondent No. 2 intimated to the petitioner that Pension Payment Order dated 17th September, 2001 which was duly finalized had been forwarded to the SBI, DGAR, Laitumkhrah, Shillong for disbursement/release of family pension to the next of kin of the deceased vide office letter dated 15th October, 2001.

(3.) Thereafter, the petitioner by letter dated 11th August, 2017 approached the respondent No. 3 for release of family pension. In reply thereto the respondent No. 3 communicated to the writ petitioner the requirement of certain documents and certificates which were necessary for processing the release of family pension. The petitioner being unable to locate the said PPO which was issued to her, and also some documents which were not in her possession, could not fulfill the requirements as asked by the Respondent No. 3, inspite of her being the legal wife and next of kin. As such having no other recourse, she has approached this Court by way of this writ application.