Court orders seizure of Punjabi University VC's car, six varsity vehicles and bank account over pension dispute

PTC Web Desk: In a major development, the Patiala District Court has issued strict orders against Punjabi University (PU), Patiala, directing the seizure of the Vice-Chancellor’s official car, six university vehicles, and the university's bank account. The action comes in response to the institution’s continued failure to comply with a court order to release the pending pension of former lecturer Inderjeet Kaur, who retired in 2015.

According to sources, Inderjeet Kaur, a retired lecturer from Punjabi University, concluded her service in May 2015. Since then, she has not received her entitled pension benefits from the university. After years of delay, she approached the court seeking justice and pension arrears.

On January 19, 2024, Judge Harkawal Kaur issued a directive ordering Punjabi University to disburse the pension to Inderjeet Kaur, effective from May 1, 2015, along with 18% annual interest on all pending dues. However, the university failed to comply with the judgment.

In response, Punjabi University filed an appeal before Additional Sessions Judge Atul Kamboj, seeking relief from the earlier ruling. But the court dismissed the appeal, upholding the original order favouring Inderjeet Kaur.

Due to continued non-compliance with the court's directives, the Patiala Court has now taken a strong stance. The court ordered the seizure of six official vehicles belonging to the university, which include: The Vice-Chancellor's Toyota Innova, A Tata Marcopolo bus, A Swaraj Mazda vehicle, A Chevrolet Tavera and  two additional buses.

In addition, the court also attached the university’s official bank account as part of the enforcement proceedings.

Sources said Punjabi University’s administration has also moved to present its stance before the court. The matter is far from over, and further legal proceedings are expected. The next hearing is scheduled for July 2.