Denial of Terminal Benefits to Retired Employees Violates Article 21: Andhra Pradesh High Court

The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that the state government’s failure to release terminal benefits to retired employees amounted to a violation of their fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Court observed that the erosion of traditional values of respect toward senior citizens was a distressing trend in modern society.

The Court emphasised that timely disbursal of pensions and retirement dues is vital for the survival of senior citizens and directed the state to clear all pending benefits with interest, treating delayed payment as a form of deprivation.

[Chittiboyina Bharata Rao v The Krishna District Cooperative Central Bank Ltd]