HC imposes costs on HP Govt, grants three weeks to clear employees’ dues

Himachal Pradesh High Court has imposed costs of Rs 2,000 on the State Government for each petitioner while granting it a final opportunity of three weeks to implement its earlier judgment concerning payment of service benefits and delayed dues to employees.

Passing the order in contempt petition (COPC No. 822/2026), titled Anil Kumar and Others versus Rakesh Kanwar and Others, Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua on October 30 directed the respondents to implement the judgment in letter and spirit, subject to payment of costs of Rs 2,000 to each petitioner.

Also Read HC puts HP Govt on clock over pending DA benefits

The court was hearing the matter after the State Government disputed its liability to pay interest on delayed payments. The Deputy Advocate General placed office instructions dated October 27, 2026, on record, claiming that the original judgment had been implemented within 90 days through speaking orders passed on March 14, 2024. On this basis, the government contended that interest was not payable to the petitioners.

However, counsel for the petitioners, Advocate Deepmala Sharma, drew the court’s attention to an earlier order dated May 7, 2025, passed in Execution Petition (T) No. 6 of 2025. The court had specifically observed in that order that the judgment had not been implemented within the stipulated period.

It was further pointed out that the earlier order had recognised the entitlement of all petitioners, except petitioner No. 1, to interest on delayed payments.

Taking note of the earlier judicial findings and the continued dispute over implementation, Justice Dua granted the State Government a final opportunity of three weeks to comply with the judgment, subject to payment of costs.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 25, 2026.

The proceedings bring the issue of delayed payment of employees’ service benefits and the government’s liability for interest on such arrears under continued judicial scrutiny.

State Government is already on the dock over delay in release of pending dues of state employees and Pensioners. State Government recently decided to release dearness allowance by five percent.

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