Jharkhand News: Jharkhand High Court Directs Payment of Arrears to Home Guard Personnel

Ranchi: High Court Orders Arrears for Home Guards

Ranchi, October 18, 2024: In a significant development for home guard personnel in Jharkhand, the High Court has directed the state government to provide payment of arrears to home guards, effective from August 25, 2017. This directive comes in response to a contempt petition filed by home guards, emphasizing the need for equitable pay for their services.

Court Proceedings and Rulings

During the hearing on Friday, the bench led by Justice Dr. S.N. Pathak issued a clear mandate to the state government, highlighting the necessity to disburse the revised salaries along with the applicable arrears. The court stated that failure to comply with this order by January 5 would result in contempt proceedings against responsible officials.

The urgency of the matter was brought to light by Rajiv Kumar Tiwari, the state general secretary of the Jharkhand Home Guard Welfare Association, who attended the hearing. Tiwari reiterated the long-standing demands of home guards for equal pay and recognition of their contributions to public safety.

Government Directive on Equal Pay

Earlier, on August 10, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand issued a directive aimed at ensuring that home guard personnel receive pay equivalent to that of police officers for similar duties. This decision marks a pivotal moment in addressing the grievances of home guards, who have long sought fair compensation.

However, the High Court has emphasized that the equal pay should be retroactively applied from the date of the initial court order, underscoring the importance of timely implementation by the government.

Consequences for Non-compliance

The High Court’s stern warning reflects the seriousness of the situation. If the government fails to fulfill its obligations by the stipulated deadline, the court will not hesitate to hold accountable those officials responsible for the delay. This development has raised the stakes for the state administration and highlights the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice for home guard personnel.

Conclusion

This ruling is a significant victory for home guards in Jharkhand, reinforcing their rights and entitlements within the framework of the state’s governance. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the state government to see if it complies with the High Court’s directive, ensuring that the hard work and dedication of home guard personnel are duly recognized and compensated.