The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the Kerala government for providing “lifetime” pension to private employees of state ministers after completing only two years of service. In fact, this stern remark of the court came when the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) filed an application in the Supreme Court alleging arbitrariness on the Oil Marketing Company (OMC).
By filing an application in the Supreme Court, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation had said that the Oil Marketing Company (OMC), which comes under the Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has decided to supply diesel costlier than the market price from February 1 to those who buy and consume large quantities of diesel. policy has been made. Due to which the burden on the people is increasing.
The court was not inclined to consider the matter but a two-judge bench comprising Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice Krishna Murari came down heavily on the Kerala government. Justice S Abdul Nazeer, in his oral remarks, citing a report in The Indian Express, observed that, “It is the only state where ministers appoint individuals for 2 years and then they are given full pension for life.”
Justice S Abdul Nazeer also said that, after two years of service to the staff of ministers, you have money for life-long pension; But here you are short of money. In his oral remarks, Justice S Abdul Nazeer said you are the only state where they are appointed for only 2 years and get lifelong pension. This has been written in The Indian Express and it is only the high officials of your state who have said this.
In fact, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan spoke to The Indian Express at an idea exchange event held online on March 5; A copy of which was published on Monday. In which Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, while answering questions related to pension, said that each minister appoints more than 20 people on ‘quo terminus’ basis and they become entitled to pension after two years. This is not happening anywhere in the country and I find it very unfair.”
It may be noted that senior advocate V Giri, appearing for KSRTC, told the bench that the differential price is being charged from KSRTC over and above the market rate and the difference is Rs 7 per litre. At the same time, he said that the said decision will put more burden on the State Transport Corporation, which is already in debt. In such a situation, this decision of the Oil Marketing Company is arbitrary and discriminatory.
Expressing its desire not to entertain the petition, a bench of Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice Krishna Murari has given liberty to KSRTC to approach the High Court. Justice S Abdul Nazeer said that you go to the Kerala High Court, because he is capable of taking the decision himself.