AGARTALA, India, March 11 -- Tripura High Court issued the following order/judgement on Feb. 10:

Heard Mr. Purusuttam Roy Barman, learned senior counsel appearing for the petitioner.

Mr. Mangal Debbarma, learned Addl. G.A. appears and accepts notice for respondents No.1 & 2 and Mr. Debalay Bhattacharya, learned senior counsel appears and accepts notice for respondent No.3.

The petitioner has prayed for family pension due to the death of her husband, namely Michael Das, who went on retirement on 31.03.2010 as a Skilled Horti Helper under the Directorate of Agriculture. He was receiving pension during his lifetime and unfortunately died on 22.08.2025. Thereafter, the petitioner, claiming to be his wife, sent a letter to the Director, Directorate of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of Tripura, seeking family pension, but till date no response has been received by the petitioner in this regard.

Ms. Sutapa Deb Barman, learned counsel, submits that as per the petition, there was some estrange relationship between the husband and wife, for which the petitioner had to approach the Court for maintenance, which was also allowed, however, there was no divorce between the parties. According to the learned counsel such estrangement cannot be a ground to deny family pension in favour of the petitioner.

Considered the submission.

When a petition has been filed by the petitioner regarding claiming of family pension to the above-said respondent No.2, it is incumbent upon the respondent to deal with the issue and dispose of the claim in accordance with law. The matter cannot be kept pending for a long, as the issue relates to family pension, which touches the stomach of the petitioner.

Considering these aspects and with consent of both sides, the writ petition is disposed of at this motion stage with a direction to the respondents to dispose of the representation of the petitioner dated 16.12.2025, addressed to respondent No.2, within 4(four) weeks of receipt of copy of this order. Needless to say, if further grievances persists, the petitioner may approach the competent forum in accordance with law.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.