DA Case: HC issues notice to Punjab Govt, seeks reply by Oct 30
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 12, 2026: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government in a case concerning the pending dearness allowance (DA) arrears of state government employees and pensioners, seeking its response in proceedings related to the initiation of criminal contempt action against the Chief Secretary.
During the hearing before Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj, the Punjab Chief Secretary appeared through video conferencing. The court sought an update on the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed before the Supreme Court.
Advocate Chetan Mittal, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that nearly eight lakh government employees and pensioners in Punjab were awaiting payment of their DA arrears.
The Chief Secretary told the court that he would have to obtain information from the Advocate-on-Record regarding the status of the SLP before filing an affidavit. He also sought additional time to respond to the matter concerning criminal contempt proceedings.
The court directed the Punjab government to file its response by October 30 or earlier. The matter will now come up for further hearing on October 30.