The Telangana High Court on Monday (March 23, 2026) directed the state government to release all financial benefits to all retired state government employees by April 9.
The court was hearing a batch of 644 contempt petitions filed by retired state government employees who alleged that the government had failed to comply with the HC orders to release their statutory cash benefits after their retirement.
Benefits included gratuity, superannuation and superannuation related amounts. They filed separate contempt suits as the government did not release money to them despite specific directions from the HC. Justice Namavarapu Rajeshwar Rao, who had earlier sent a Form I notice to Chief Finance Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania on February 9, expressed displeasure over Sultania’s absence when the hearing began on Monday.
The judge sought to know from the government counsel, who said the request for waiver of appearance was made on behalf of the chief secretary, finance, as he was busy with the budget session of the assembly, why the request was not made in advance. Justice Rajeshwara Rao reminded the government counsel that several retired employees had been pleading with the court for several months to release their pension benefits.
The judge also noted that a Form-I notice was also issued to the top official to appear before the court and yet a motion to waive the appearance was filed on the day of the hearing. Despite repeated requests from government counsel, the judge said he was prepared to wait in court even after the noon session, but insisted on Sultania’s presence. The judge categorically stated that he would wait until midnight if the top official was ready to appear before the court to explain his position.
Finally, the chief secretary appeared virtually at the hearing and explained that he was busy with the budget session of the assembly. The top official has asked for 30 days more time to release the cash benefits of all retired employees. However, the judge refused to give such a long time and ordered Sultania to clear the dues of all retired employees by April 9.
“It is their own money. Give good news to all retired government employees by April 9,” the judge said and directed the chief secretary to appear before the court the next day of hearing.
Published – 23 March 2026 22:15 IST
