CHENNAI: ALL steps are being taken by the government to publicise the fact that it is regularly remitting its share of amount to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), the High Court was informed.
When the batch of writ petitions came up on Friday, the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance (Pension) department, filed an affidavit giving details which had been stated in the earlier letter dated September 16. The letter had stated that so far, a sum of Rs 18,016 crore had got accumulated, including interest up to March 31 last and account slips for 2016-17 had already been issued to the individuals and the same had been uploaded in the website.
As per the report of the Commissioner of Treasuries and Accounts, a total of 7,409 applications requesting final settlement under the CPS had been received upto August 31 and of that, final authorisation had been issued in respect of 3,288 retired/resigned employees for a sum of Rs 125,24,24,317 and remaining would be authorised on receipt of documents.
When the judge wanted to know why this was not made known, the AAG submitted that a press release has been issued on September 21. He also submitted that details were also released through media on September 22.
The AAG also told the judge that the persons who were responsible for releasing defamatory, obscene and derogatory messages against the judiciary in general and the judges in particular and thereby degrading the image, had been identified and cases filed. The judge made it clear that if any comments are made against the order, there should not be any action.
Only when defamatory, unwanted observations or comments, allegations were made against the judges in particular, and the judiciary in general, action is needed to be taken. Following the submission that the AAG wanted more time to file action taken report, the judge adjourned the matter till October 4.