Chandigarh: The Punjab DA disparity case has come under sharp judicial scrutiny as the has asked the Punjab government to explain why dearness allowance (DA) payments differ between senior officers and lower-level employees. The court is examining allegations that IAS, IPS, IFS, and judicial officers are receiving DA on time, while regular employees and pensioners face delays.
This development could impact thousands of government workers across Punjab and raises important questions about fairness in salary policies.
Court Directives on Punjab DA Disparity Case
A bench led by Justice HS Brar directed the Punjab government to submit a detailed affidavit regarding DA payments.
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The court specifically asked:
- Up to which date DA installments have been paid to All India Services (AIS) and judicial officers
- Whether their salaries are paid from the same consolidated fund as other employees
- Whether any DA installments are still pending between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2025
The court also warned that if the affidavit is not filed by April 1, the Principal Secretary (Finance) must appear in person.
Court’s Earlier Directions
This is not the first time the court has intervened.
On March 13, another bench of the directed the Punjab government to:
- Clear all pending pension revisions since 2016
- Pay DA arrears
- Add 6% interest
- Complete payments by April 30
Details of Punjab DA Disparity Case
The case was filed by government employees and pensioners who alleged discrimination in DA payments.
According to the petition:
- Lower-rung employees have not received DA installments since July 2023
- Meanwhile, IAS, IPS, IFS, and judicial officers continue to receive DA regularly
- This creates “hostile discrimination” among employees doing similar public service work
Advocate Sunny Singla informed the court that despite earlier assurances, DA delays continue for most employees.
What is Dearness Allowance (DA)?
Dearness Allowance is a cost-of-living adjustment paid to government employees and pensioners.
- It is revised twice a year (January 1 and July 1)
- Based on the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- Meant to offset inflation
Historically, Punjab has followed the same DA pattern as the Central Government.
Background: Government Policy on DA
The petition highlighted that:
- Punjab has traditionally matched DA rates with the Centre
- The 5th and 6th Punjab Pay Commissions supported this policy
- In June 2021, the state cabinet approved DA payments aligned with central government patterns
However, delays started appearing:
- The DA installment due on January 1, 2023 was paid only on November 1, 2024
- Several installments after July 2023 are still pending
Key Issue: Equality in Government Pay
The central issue in the Punjab DA disparity case is equal treatment. The court noted that earlier the government had assured:
All similarly placed employees would receive revised DA benefits equally. But current practices suggest otherwise, raising constitutional concerns about fairness and equality.
