High Court seeks Nagaland government response on widow’s pension plea

DIMAPUR — The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court has issued notice to Nagaland government over a writ petition filed by Rajumoni Devi, widow of late Constable Birmangal Singh of 6th NAP Battalion, who has been denied pension benefits following her husband’s death in 2018.

The petitioner submitted that her husband had served 25 years in the police force before his demise. However, at the time of processing his pension papers, the accountant general’s office objected, citing that Singh had been “overaged by one month” at the time of appointment.

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Despite multiple representations to the authorities, no action was taken, compelling the widow to move the court, she submitted.

“The petitioner thereupon had submitted various representations but the respondent authorities have not taken any steps in that regard. It is under such circumstances the petitioner is constrained to approach this court by invoking the extraordinary jurisdiction.

“The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits that the petitioner’s husband expired in the year 2018 and though 7 years have passed, no action has been taken by the respondent authorities,” read an order passed by Justice Devashis Barua on September 4.

Taking into account the widow’s submissions, the court directed the respondents—including the state’s chief secretary, DGP, police establishment branch, and accountant general—to file affidavits clarifying their position.

The court specifically asked the government to state whether Singh was ever informed during his service about the overage issue and why the widow’s representations remained unaddressed for seven years.

The case has been made returnable on September 23.