Delhi HC Orders Centre to Reconsider Live-in Partner's Family Pension Claim

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In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to reconsider a retired government employee's plea to include his live-in partner of over 40 years and their children in the Pension Payment Order for family pension and healthcare facilities. The court stated that the employee had consistently disclosed his relationship and had no intention to deceive the authorities. The employee, who retired in 2012, had been facing a 50% reduction in his pension and gratuity benefits since 2011 due to allegations of misrepresentation while applying for diplomatic passports for his partner and children. However, the court found that there was no evidence of misconduct or negligence on the part of the employee. The court noted that the employee had maintained transparency throughout his service, consistently disclosing his relationship and identifying his partner as his wife for the purposes of family pension benefits. The court also clarified that the disciplinary authority's assertion that the employee lacked personal integrity was misconceived. The court has directed the Centre to release the withheld pension and gratuity amounts to the employee, along with interest, and to consider his plea to include his partner and children in the Pension Payment Order for family pension and healthcare facilities. The Centre has been given time to reconsider the employee's plea, which is a significant development for government employees who are in similar situations.