HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP No.3447 of 2002 (O&M) Date of Decision: 13.07.2011 **** Harbans Singh . . . . Petitioner VS. State of Punjab & Ors. . . . . Respondents **** CORAM : HON’BLE MR.JUSTICE SURYA KANT **** 1. Whether Reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. To be referred to the Reporters or not? 3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest? **** Present: Mr. DK Bhatti, Advocate for the petitioner Ms. Charu Tuli, Sr. DAG Punjab **** SURYA KANT, J. (ORAL) (1). The petitioner has retired from the post of Sub Inspector from the Punjab Police. (2). Though the rest of the retiral benefits have been released but the payments of Gratuity and Commutation of Pension have been withheld on account of pendency of a criminal case against the petitioner registered vide FIR No.461 dated 21.11.1999 under Sections 192, 195, 211, 464, 465, 468, 478 IPC. (3). The aggrieved petitioner has approached this Court. (4). It is informed by a Departmental representative present in Court that the criminal case is still pending and is now fixed for 04.08.2011. CWP No.3447 of 2002.doc - 2 – (5). In these circumstances when there is a justification under the Rules for the respondents to validly withhold the payments of Gratuity and Commutation of Pension due to pendency of the criminal case, I deem it appropriate to dispose of this writ petition with a direction that as soon as the criminal case is decided, petitioner’s claim for the release of the withheld amounts of Gratuity and Commutation of Pension shall be considered and disposed of by the competent authority in accordance with the Rules as early as possible but not later than two months from the date of passing of such decision. (6). Ordered accordingly. Dasti. 13.07.2011 vishal shonkar (SURYA KANT) Judge