IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH. C.W.P. 12832 of 2007. [O&M] Date of Decision: 23rd February, 2010. Ruldu Singh [dead] through Lrs Petitioner through Mr. S.K.Sud, Advocate Versus State of Punjab & Anr. Respondents through Mrs. Charu Tuli, Sr.DAG, Punjab. 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? SURYA KANT, J. [ORAL) This Civil Writ Petition was filed by Ruldu Singh – a retired Driver of the Transport Department, Government of Punjab. He has unfortunately passed away during the pendency of this writ petition and his legal heirs have been brought on record. The prayer in the writ petition is to direct the respondents to release the arrears of gratuity, GIS, earned leave, pension, DA increase etc. It appears that the retiral benefits were partly withheld on account of an inquiry pending against the deceased employee in relation to a vehicular accident allegedly caused by him. Since the retired employee has unfortunately expired before any effective order of punishment, namely, recovery order could be passed, the inquiry proceedings stand abated. In this view of the matter, there appears to be no legal embargo in releasing the withheld retiral benefits in favour of the legal heirs of the deceased employee. The writ petition is accordingly allowed with a direction that as soon as the legal heirs of the petitioner approaches the respondent Authorities along with requisite documents, the needful shall be done within a period of two months from the date of complete of documentation[s]. Insofar as the over-payment allegedly made to the deceased employee is concerned, the respondents shall be at liberty to deduct the said amount recovered from the retiral dues as a formal decision for its recovery had been passed during the life time of the employee. The petitioners, however, shall be at liberty to challenge the said order, if so advised, in accordance with law. Disposed of. Dasti. February 23, 2010. ( SURYA KANT ) dinesh JUDGE