Punjab Chief Secretary Fined Rs 1 Lakh by High Court Over DA Arrears Delay

In a stern move, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has slapped a cost of Rs 1 lakh on Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha for his failure to file a compliance report regarding outstanding Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) payments for state government employees and pensioners. The top bureaucrat has now been ordered to submit a personal affidavit by October 30 and appear in court on November 3 to explain the delay. This latest action comes after a division bench on August 3, 2026, directed the Punjab government and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to clear all pending DA/DR instalments within a fortnight, applying central government rates for All India Services members in Punjab, with a 6% annual interest for any default. Despite this, the state's subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court against the judgment was found to be 'defective', highlighting a continuing pattern of non-compliance that the High Court described as a 'defiant attitude'. The court had also earlier barred the state from making 'unproductive' expenses until the dues were settled. The upcoming hearing on November 3 will be crucial, as the Chief Secretary is expected to provide a detailed explanation for the persistent delays and outline a clear timeline for fulfilling the court's orders. This ongoing legal battle underscores the significant challenges faced by state governments in managing finances and upholding judicial directives, with potentially far-reaching implications for government accountability and the welfare of thousands of employees and pensioners across Punjab.