Gopal Sharan Singh vs. Deepak Kumar & Ors., Civil Appeal No. 2703 of 2017

The Supreme Court of India, in Gopal Sharan Singh vs. Deepak Kumar & Ors. [Civil Appeal No. 2703 of 2017, decided January 8, 2025; 2025 INSC 59], addressed the enforcement of salary and pension benefits claims of employees absorbed into government service, emphasizing fair adjudication and compliance with earlier Supreme Court directions.

Facts and Background
The case arose from service-related disputes involving employees absorbed into government service following organizational restructuring. Gopal Sharan Singh and other petitioners claimed entitlement to salary arrears and family pension benefits based on the deceased employee’s actual service period. Despite the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment dated August 31, 2017, in Civil Appeal No. 2703 of 2017, which directed payment of such benefits, the petitioners alleged non-compliance and sought enforcement.

Legal Issues
Whether the University and respondents complied with the Supreme Court’s directions regarding salary and pension benefits.

The obligation of authorities to fairly adjudicate claims based on actual service records.

The scope of judicial intervention in administrative decisions relating to service benefits.

Supreme Court’s Findings
The Supreme Court observed that the University and respondents had not fully complied with the directions to pay salary arrears and family pension benefits. It emphasized that claims must be adjudicated fairly and expeditiously, based on the deceased employee’s actual service period, to ensure justice.

The Court reiterated that the directions issued in the 2017 judgment remain binding and that authorities must implement them in letter and spirit. It underscored the importance of transparency and fairness in processing claims, cautioning against arbitrary or undue delay.

The Court directed the University to complete the adjudication of all pending claims promptly and to make payments accordingly. It also mandated a status report on compliance within a fixed timeframe.

Conclusion
The judgment clarifies that:

Service and pension claims must be adjudicated fairly based on actual service.

Authorities are bound by Supreme Court directions and must ensure timely compliance.

Judicial oversight is essential to prevent arbitrary denial or delay of rightful benefits.

The ruling reinforces protection of employees’ service rights and family pension entitlements.

This decision strengthens the enforcement of service-related rights and ensures that administrative bodies adhere to judicial mandates.