NAGEN CHANDRA DAS Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners in these three writ petitions have raised a common grievance. They are the retired employees of the Assam State Housing Board (for short Housing Board), an Autonomous Body within the control of the Government of Assam. The grievance of the petitioner in brief is that even after their retirement on attaining the age of superannuation, their retirement dues have not been paid.

(2.) The petitioner-Nagen Chandra Das in WP(C) No.3523/2019 had superannuated from service as Superintendent of the Housing Board on 31.03.2018. Similarly, Shri Suren Bhagawati, petitioner in WP(C) No.3539/2019 had retired on 31.01.2018 as Zonal Housing Officer (i/c) and likewise, Shri Bhagawan Sarma, petitioner in WP(C) No.3765/2019 had retired as Sub-Divisional Housing Officer w.e.f. 31.03.2014. After such retirement, the Housing Board ought to have paid their retirement dues, including the pension. However, the same has not been paid, forcing the petitioners to approach this Court by invoking the equitable jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

(3.) I have heard Shri S Bora, learned counsel for the petitioners and Shri I Choudhury, learned Standing Counsel, Assam State Housing Board.