Telangana HC asks State government to file response on plea seeking retiral benefits

The writ petition was filed by Putta Murali Mohana Reddy, a retired judicial officer, seeking release of pensionary and retiral benefits for the period served as an ad-hoc district judge

Hyderabad: The division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice P Sam Koshy of the Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the State government to file its response in a writ petition filed by a retired judicial officer seeking release of pensionary and retiral benefits for the period served as an ad-hoc district judge.

The petition was filed by Putta Murali Mohana Reddy, who retired as V Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bhongir, in Nalgonda district. The petitioner contended that his ad-hoc service as district judge between 2003 and 2018 ought to be treated as qualifying service for pension, relying on the recommendations made by the Hon’ble Judges Committee and communicated by the High Court Registry to the State government in March 2020.

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It was submitted that the State’s refusal to consider the said period for pensionary benefits based on its interpretation of the Telangana Revised Pension Rules and the applicability of the contributory pension scheme—was arbitrary and contrary to the judgments of the Supreme Court. The petitioner has challenged the State government’s communication dated July 10, 2024, which stated that ad-hoc service could not be reckoned for pension purposes.

He also assailed a subsequent communication issued by the Registrar (Administration) of the High Court on October 16, 2024, rejecting his claim on the basis of the government’s stand. The matter has been posted for further hearing, and the court has directed the respondents to file their counter affidavits.