PNB asked to process pension transfer to family account
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 11 2023:
Spelling out its judgement in a case filed by one Konsam Michael Singh, the High Court of Manipur has directed the Punjab National Bank to transfer an amount of Rs 59,54,215, which is the pension amount of the petitioner's deceased wife, a government employee, to the family pension account maintained by him.
The court, in its ruling dated December 6, clarified that no succession certification would be required for the transfer, citing undisputed status of the petitioner as the family pension beneficiary.
Konsam Michael had approached the court after the treasury officer in Thoubal erroneously credited the commutation and gratuity amount, totalling Rs 59,54,215, to the deceased wife's account.
The petitioner, who has been receiving family pension since May 2023, sought the court's intervention for directing the respondents to deposit the amount into his pension account.
In response, Punjab National Bank filed a counter affidavit, stating that the amount could be refunded only upon the petitioner's application and submission of necessary documents according to the bank's guidelines.
The bank highlighted that, to date, the petitioner had not approached them with the required application.
During the court proceedings, advocate HS Paonam, senior counsel for the petitioner, sought permission to file the necessary application to the bank.
He requested an exemption from furnishing a succession certificate, emphasising the absence of dispute regarding the petitioner's entitlement to the family pension, gratuity, and commutation amount, which the court accepted.
Government advocate H Samarjit, appearing for the State of Manipur, concurred with HS Paonam, proposing that the matter be disposed of by directing respondent No 4 (Punjab National Bank) to deposit the claimed amount in the petitioner's family pension account.
In its ruling, the High Court allowed the writ petition, issuing a directive for the respondent (No 4) to transfer the amount to the family pension account maintained by Konsam Michael Singh within one month, with a provision that, if the bank insisted on a succession certificate, it would bear the cost of stamp fees and litigation costs, if any.
With these directives and observations, the court disposed of the writ petition, providing relief to the petitioner in securing the right ful transfer of the amount in question.