Listen To This Post

Petition cites RTI replies, claims violation of 2021 Punjab government ban on post-retirement appointments

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice of motion on a petition alleging the illegal re-employment of senior officers in the Punjab Police Housing Corporation (PPHC), purportedly in violation of explicit Punjab government instructions barring post-retirement appointments. Justice Suvir Sehgal fixed the matter for further hearing on July 8.

The petition, filed by Nirpal—a retired Superintendent of PPHC—relies on information obtained under the Right to Information Act to contend that two officers were re-employed after superannuation despite the Punjab Government’s instructions dated November 9, 2021, which categorically state that “re-employment after retirement is not permissible in any department.”

According to the plea, one of the respondents was re-employed as Chief Engineer on his existing pay after retiring on March 31, 2024. The second respondent retired on May 31, 2025, upon attaining the age of 58, and was allegedly re-appointed as Executive Engineer at a fixed salary—actions the petitioner claims are contrary to service rules and in direct breach of the government’s 2021 directions.

The petitioner asserts that both officers continue to occupy top positions in PPHC “without any authority of law.” Appearing for the petitioner, counsel Jagraj Singh Khiva further alleged systemic irregularities in recruitment at the corporation, claiming that the mode and manner of appointments were not in accordance with service rules and that many employees were recruited through “backdoor methods.”

Upon issuance of notice to the respondents, the High Court will examine whether the impugned re-employments violate binding government instructions and applicable service rules when the matter comes up for hearing next month.