THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.25168 of 2011 ORDER: The petitioner retired from the service of the respondent as Hockey Coach, on 31.03.2011. His grievance is that the respondents have not released the pensionary and other retiremental benefits. He submits that there did not exist any proceedings against him, which warrant withholding of the retirement benefits. Learned counsel for the respondent took notice at the stage of admission. He states that the proceedings were issued as recently as on 13.10.2011, sanctioning pension and other benefits. It is, however, stated that the benefits to the tune of Rs.13,91,529/- could not be released due to paucity of funds. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned standing counsel for the respondent. The pension is the benefit, which an employee gets on account of his service spread over several decades. It is not a gratis to be paid by the employer. Time and again, the Supreme Court held that the pension and retirement benefits constitute right to property. It is only when disciplinary proceedings are initiated and appropriate orders are passed that such benefits can be withheld either in part or in entirety. The very fact that the respondent has issued proceedings directing release of the retirement benefits of the petitioner discloses that his entitlement was not doubted at all. The respondent cannot plead paucity of funds. It has to mobilise the same to honour the commitment towards the petitioner. It is represented that the pension for the month of September, 2011 was released. Hence, the writ petition is allowed and the respondent is directed to release the funds sanctioned through proceedings dated 13.10.2011 within two months from today. He shall continue to release the pension regularly. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY, J Dt: 18.10.2011 GJ