Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Arun Kumar Gupta Vs. DCP Rohini District & 3 Others | Case No. 476/1024/2018/09/2483-2487 | Dated: 28.05.2019




In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005,
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 476/1024/2018/09/2483-2487                          Dated: 28.05.2019

In the matter of:

Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta,
D-1/46, Balvir Bihar
New Delhi-110086.                                                   ..…….Complainant
                  
                                          Versus                           
Deputy Commissioner of Police
Rohini District, Delhi
Bhagawan Mahavir Marg,
Varun Kunj, Rithala,
Rohini, Delhi-110085                                            ........ Respondent No.  1

Joint Commissioner of Police
(Northern Range),
6th Floor, Police Headquarters,
M.S.O. Building, I.P. Estate,
New Delhi.                                                           ....... Respondent No.  2

Commissioner of Police,
M.S.O. Building, I.P. Estate,
New Delhi.                                                           ........ Respondent No. 3

Sh. Prashant Gupta,
Owner, R.P. Enterprises,
Khasra No. 877, First Floor,
Gali No. 3, Nalla Wala Road,
Rithala, New Delhi-110085.                                   ........ Respondent No. 4


Date of Hearing:       27.05.2019
Present          :           Sh. Arun Kr. Gupta, Complainant
Sh. Pancham Kumar, S.I., P.S. Budh Vihar on behalf of respondent No. 1 and Sh. Prashant Gupta, respondent
No. 4. 

ORDER


The above named complainant, a person with 54% locomoter disability vide his  complaint dated 05.09.2018 submitted that he was working for M/s Sharp Eye, R.P. Enterprises, Khasra No. 877, 1st Floor, Gali No. 3, Rithala, New Delhi-110085 on commission basis for the last one and half years. He resigned on 14.08.2018 and  the owner of the company refused to pay his dues / commission of Rs. 22200/- for the month of July and August, 2018.  The company also used to deduct Rs. 1200/- every month from the amount due to him. He also alleged that he was manhandled and abused by Sh. Prashant Gupta due to which he resigned. He reported the matter to the Police but no action was being taken. He therefore, requested this Court for help in getting his dues amounting  to Rs. 43800/- and appropriate action against the company. 

2.      The complaint was taken up vide Notice dated 11.09.2018 with DCP, North West District, who forwarded the complaint to DCP, Rohini District.  As there was no response and DCP, Rohini District transferred the complaint to DCP, Outer District, a hearing was scheduled on 02.01.2019. 

3.      On 02.01.2019, as none appeared on behalf of the DCP, Rohini District. Jt. Commissioner of Police, Northern Range was impleaded as respondent No.2 vide RoP dated 03.01.2019.  He  was advised to decide the jurisdiction and direct the concerned DCP to take immediate action to provide relief to the complainant and submit a report on or before the next date of hearing on 18.01.2019.

4.      On 18.01.2019 also none appeared on behalf of Delhi Police and therefore Commissioner of Police was impleaded as respondent No. 3 and the matter was scheduled for hearing on 14.02.2019. 

5.      Vide report dated 15.01.2019, Sh. Rajneesh Gupta, DCP, Rohini District informed that matter was  got enquired into through ACP/Rohini/RD.  The owner of R.P. Printer was examined and as per his statement the complainant worked in his company and resigned on 29.08.2018 on personal grounds, which was accepted by the company.  All his dues were stalled,  which were cleared later on. No Dues Certificate had also been obtained from the complainant and no dues were pending as per available written proof provided by the owner of the company.  As per the report, the allegation regarding payment of salary was civil in nature and no cognizable offence was made out and hence, as per him, no police action was warranted.

6.      On the next date of hearing on 15.02.2019, complainant submitted a copy of his rejoinder dated 04.02.2019 in which he  stated that Sh. Prashant Gupta and Sh. Sachin Sharma asked him to work till 05.09.2018.  The company even recharged the complainant’s mobile even on 29.08.2018 and gave him Rs. 500/- for petrol for  which he also gave them the receipt and made an entry in the register.  The complainant also produced 2 sheets of “Paid and DOC Not OK Report” of the said company “Sharp Eye Daily FOS on Field Sales Pick Ups”   for 25.09.2018 and 30.09.2018.  The complainant further submitted that he neither signed any paper about no dues  certificate nor did he submit any typed resignation later on 29.08.2018 produced by the representative of DCP, Rohini  during the hearing.  The complainant  alleged that his signatures had been forged.  Incidentally, Copies of those papers were not enclosed with the report dated 15.01.2019 submitted  by DCP, Rohini.  In view of the statement of the complainant and the evidence submitted by him, it was felt that there was a need for further inquiry into the matter and therefore DCP, Rohini District was advised to personally look into the matter and have it re-investigated and submit a report on or before the next date of hearing on 27.03.2019.  Sh. Prashant Gupta, owner of R.P. Printers was also impleaded as respondent No. 4 and was directed to submit his version of the case.

7.      On 27.03.2019 Sh. Prashant Gupta did not appear despite summons, he was directed to participate and co-operate in the enquiry and ensure his attendance on the next date of hearing failing which this Court would be constrained to take action under Section 82 of the Act for enforcing his attendance.

8.      Sh. Purshotam, Sub-Inspector, Office of the DCP Rohini District, Delhi appeared and submitted a status report dated 26.03.2019, as per which  the matter was again  found to be civil in nature.  It is further stated that Sh. Prashant Gupta was called by  the Vigilance Branch on 22.03.2019.  The complainant was also directed to join the enquiry to verify signature but he did not appear.  Sh. Purshottam added that in case the complainant feels that his signatures have  been forged, the  signatures of the concerned parties would be verified through Forensic Scientific Laboratory (FSL)) and necessary action would be taken.
9.      The complainant was directed to prepare a  statement of the number of SIMs sold by him in the month of July-August’2018 and the payment received by him for the same alongwith supporting documents such as the list of customers and their mobile numbers, bank statement etc.  The Police was directed that payment made to the complainant in cash by Sh. Prashant Gupta  be verified through the documents maintained by M/s R.P.Enterprises.  The signatures of the complainant should  be verified through FSL.  The complainant was also directed to join the investigation when and where he was called and submit the audio recording / CD to the E.O./I.O. in support of his allegation that Sh. Prashant Gupta abused, intimidated, insulted  and assaulted him, who will take action  against the alleged person under Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 which provides as under:
Whoever,—
(a) intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a person with disability in any place within public view;
(b) assaults or uses force to any person with disability with intent to dishonor him or outrage the modesty of a woman with disability……….shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine.”
10.    A report on the outcome of the enquiry and the status of the case was sought by  24.05.2019.
11.    The report dated 26.03.2019 of  DCP, Rohini District  is reproduced below:
``This is in continuation to this office Nos. 2440/Complt./(AC-III)/RD dated 15.01.2019, 2597/Complt./(AC-III)/RD dated 31.01.2019 and refer to your office case No.476/1024/2018/09/882 dated 15.02.2019 on the subject cited above, it is to state that during hearing of the above said case, the complainant stated that he neither signed any paper about “no dues” certificate nor did he submit any typed resignation letter on dated 29.08.2018 produced by the representative of the Respondent No.1 during the hearing.  The complainant has alleged that his signatures have been forged.  The Hon’ble Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has directed to re-investigate the matter and submit a report on or before 27.03.2019 ( date of hearing).
            In this regard, the matter has been got enquired into through ACP/PG/RD.  During enquiry, it was revealed that Sh. Prashant Kumar Gupta runs a company in the name & style “R.P. Enterprises” at Khasra No.877, Rithala, Delhi.  The company supplies mobile Sim Cards to the customers at their houses.  The employee of the company receives Rs.100/- as commission on each delivery.  The statements of Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta (complainant) and Sh. Prashant Kumar Gupta (owner of R.P. Enterprises) were got recorded and other relevant documents were also obtained.  As per the statement of Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta (complainant), he had worked there from 16.04.2017 and resigned from the company on 14.08.2018 but he failed to produce the copy of resignation letter dated 14.08.18 during enquiry by PG Cell.  Moreover, as per his statement, he was not the permanent employee of the said company.  As per the statement of Sh. Prashant Kumar Gupta (owner of R.P. Enterprises), he worked in the said company during the month July, 2018 to 29.08.2018.
            During further enquiry, it also revealed that the complainant had received Rs.3000/- in advance on six times (500x6) from the owner in the month of July 2018.  At that time the total amount Rs.10,600/- of the complainant was due with the company.  Hence, after deduction of Rs.3000/-, the balance amount Rs.7600/- was deposited in his account.  Further on 29.08.2018, when the complainant resigned from his job, the pending due payment amounting to Rs.18,600/- was paid to the complainant in cash.  The entries of the same have been made in the relevant register maintained by the company and the complainant also put his signatures on these entries and receipt of above said amounts.
            Moreover, during enquiry, Sh. Prashant Kumar Gupta, the owner of R.P. Enterprises has clearly disposed that on 29.08.2018, the complainant himself reported to the company office and put up his resignation/no dues letter dated 29.08.2018 and took his balance due amount along with his all the documents which were kept in the company for security.  On the above said documents, the complainant himself made his signature and the same are not forged.
            Further, the allegation of beating levelled by the complainant also could not be substantiated, as the complainant neither made any PCR call in this regard nor gave any written and verbal complaint to police.  However, to verify the signatures of the complainant, the complainant was again contacted on his mobile number 9210313241 on several times to join the enquiry but he did not turn up on any occasion.  In this regard, a DD entry was lodged vide DD No.3 on dated 22.03.2019.  Hence, without the specimen signatures of the complainant, it cannot be concluded as to whether the signatures of the complainant on resignation letter and no dues certificate are forged or not.  Further, a per enquiry report conducted by PG Cell, no cognizable offence is made out.  The same is found civil in nature, as on perusal of his signatures on the various documents, it appears that the signatures on all the papers are same.  However, in case the complainant is not satisfied with the enquiry of this district conducted so far, he may be directed to join the enquiry to verify his signature on the subject.  The copies of all the relevant records/statement into the matter are also enclosed herewith for perusal.

Yours faithfully,
(S.D. Misra)IPS
Dy. Commissioner of Police,
Rohini District, Delhi.”

12.    Inspector Yogendra Kumar, PS Budh Vihar, Delhi  has submitted a status report dated 22.05.2019 which is also reproduced below:
“As per the direction of this Court he called the complainant and asked him to provide the specimen signature and audio recording of the alleged incident upon which complainant stated that he has settled the issue with the alleged Prashant Gupta who assured him to pay his due salary.  The same will be handed over before the Hon’ble Court on the next date of hearing.   Complainant further stated that he will withdraw his present complaint after receiving the due salary.  Till then complainant requested not to proceed legally on his complaint and also denied to provide specimen signature and audio recording.  Further the alleged Prashant Gupta was also interrogated who supported the version of the complainant and assured to hand over the due salary before the Hon’ble Court. 
In view of the above mentioned facts and circumstances, the report in the matter may please be considered accordingly.  Undersign will abide by all the further directions of the Hon’ble Court.”
13.    The complainant and Sh. Prashant Gupta appeared on 27.05.2019 and submitted that they have settled the matter amicably. Sh. Prashant Gupta paid Rs. 26000/- to the complainant.  Complainant stated that his original Aadhar Card is with the company which may be returned to him.  Sh. Prashant Gupta stated that the same is not in his possession. He has been advised to look for it in the company’s record and return the same to the complainant within 3 days of  the receipt of this order.
14.    The facts and circumstances as mentioned above, indicate the need for being more sensitive towards the issues of persons with disabilities, prompt in taking action on their complaints with seriousness.  The law enforcing agencies particularly need to take note of the provisions of the Section 7 and 92 of the Act and be extremely careful in handling their complaints and ensure that their rights are not infringed.  Sh. Prashant Gupta, the respondent No. 4 is also advised to be more sensitive towards the rights of persons with disabilities and do his a bit in creating awareness and sensitising other people in the society.  Section 7 and the extract of Section 92 are reproduced below for information of the concerned:
Section 7. “(1) The appropriate Government shall take measures to protect persons with disabilities from all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation and to prevent the same, shall—
(a) take cognizance of incidents of abuse, violence and exploitation and providelegal remedies available against such incidents;
(b) take steps for avoiding such incidents and prescribe the procedure for its reporting;
(c) take steps to rescue, protect and rehabilitate victims of such incidents; and
(d) create awareness and make available information among the public.
(2) Any person or registered organisation who or which has reason to believe that an act of abuse, violence or exploitation has been, or is being, or is likely to be committed against any person with disability, may give information about it to the Executive Magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction such incidents occur.
(3) The Executive Magistrate on receipt of such information, shall take immediate steps to stop or prevent its occurrence, as the case may be, or pass such order as he deems fit for the protection of such person with disability including an order—
(a) to rescue the victim of such act, authorising the police or any organisation working for persons with disabilities to provide for the safe custody or rehabilitation of such person, or both, as the case may be;
(b) for providing protective custody to the person with disability, if such person so desires;
(c) to provide maintenance to such person with disability.
(4) Any police officer who receives a complaint or otherwise comes to know of abuse, violence or exploitation towards any person with disability shall inform the aggrieved person of—
 (a) his or her right to apply for protection under sub-section (2) and the particulars of the Executive Magistrate having jurisdiction to provide assistance;
(b) the particulars of the nearest organisation or institution working for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities;
(c) the right to free legal aid; and
(d) the right to file a complaint under the provisions of this Act or any other law dealing with such offence:
Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed in any manner as to relieve the police officer from his duty to proceed in accordance with law upon receipt of information as to the commission of a cognizable offence.
(5) If the Executive Magistrate finds that the alleged act or behaviour constitutes an offence under the Indian Penal Code, or under any other law for the time being in force, he may forward the complaint to that effect to the Judicial or Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be, having jurisdiction in the matter.”
Section 92. Whoever,—
(a) intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a person with disability in any place within public view;
(b) assaults or uses force to any person with disability with intent to dishonor him or outrage the modesty of a woman with disability……….shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine.”
15.    The complaint is disposed off.
16.    Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 28th day of May, 2019.



(T.D. Dhariyal)
State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Upendra Giri Vs. CMD L& T Hydrocarbon Engineering Ltd. | Case No. 386/1023/2018/07/2384-2385 | Dated: 23.05.2019




In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005,
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 386/1023/2018/07/2384-2385                 Dated: 23.05.2019

In the matter of:

Sh. Upendra Giri,
F-29, Harijan Basti,
Old Kondli, Delhi-110096.                                      ..…….Complainant
                                                         
                                          Versus       
                    
The Chief Managing Director/Managing Director,
L & T Hydrocarbon Engineering Ltd.,
Mount Poonamallee Road,
Post Box No. 979, Manapakkam,
Chennai-600089.                                                       ........ Respondent

Date of Hearing     15.05.2019

Present:       Sh. Upendra Giri, Complainant.
                    Sh. Jitendra Kumar, Advocate, for the Respondent.

ORDER
The above named complainant, a person with 72% locomotor disability vide his complaint dated 09.07.2018 submitted that he was retrenched by M/s L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering Ltd. on 09.01.2016 when he was left with 3.5 years of service due to his physical disability.  He alleged that he was harassed and discriminated.  In his own department, other employees in similar positions are working because they are related to senior management.  He was retrenched illegally against the provisions of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PwD Act).  The company has recruited new employees in his place.  He also claimed that he acquired disability during service and hence he should be allowed to continue his service in the company without any discrimination and be paid back wages. 
2.       Section 47 of PwD Act provided as under:
“47.     Non-discrimination in Government employment- (1) No establishment shall dispense with, or reduce in rank, an employee who acquires a disability during his service;
Provided that, if an employee, after acquiring disability is not suitable for the post he was holding, could be shifted to some other post with the same pay scale and service benefits;
Provided further that if it is not possible to adjust the employee against any post, he may be kept on a supernumerary post until a suitable post is available or he attains the age of superannuation whichever is earlier.
(2) No promotion shall be denied to a person merely on the ground of his disability;
Provided that the appropriate Government may having regard to the type of work carried on in any establishment by notification and subject to such conditions if any as may be specified in such notification exempt any establishment from the provisions of this section.”
3.       While that PwD Act has since been repealed and replaced by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, hereinafter referred to as the Act, identical provision in Section 20 of this Act exists.  Although this provision of Section 20 of the Act is not applicable to a private establishment, yet in light of the fact that the Act itself is based on the principle of respect for inherent dignity, non-discrimination and equality of opportunity and Section 21 of the Act and Rule 8 of the Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017 mandate every establishment including the private establishments to follow Equal Opportunity Policy, the complaint was taken up with the respondent for considering the request of the complainant and to submit an action taken report within 30 days vide letter dated 23.07.2018.
4.       As there was no response from the company, a notice dated 25.10.2018 was issued directing the respondent to submit his/her version of the case by 02.11.2018 followed by another reminder dated 16.11.2018 and a hearing on 25.09.2019.  Sh. Tej Pratap Singh, advocate who appeared on behalf of the respondent on 25.09.2019, submitted that the reply had already been prepared and would be filed within a week after its approval. 
5.       The reply on behalf of the respondent was filed on 25.02.2019 during the hearing.  In the said reply, the respondent has inter-alia submitted that the complainant has already challenged his resignation under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act before the Ld. Labour court, Dwarka, New Delhi and the same is pending before the Hon’ble Court.  Therefore, the present claim of the complainant is liable to be dismissed.  The respondent further submitted that as per the rules and regulations, the respondent has the right to terminate its employee at any stage as per the requirement or schedule of the company after giving him a termination notice or after paying him appropriate amount.  He further submitted that the complainant was working with the respondent at its MPT project at Barmer, Rajasthan.   As the project was close to completion, the respondent started demobilizing employees from the project.  The identified employees who were found to be consistently low performers and surplus to the requirements of the respondent were relieved of their services.  They were served with the appropriate closer/ termination letter. 
6.       Respondent further mentioned that they had paid the requisite dues as per the terms and conditions of the contract to the complainant and settled the full and final payment.  The respondent denied that relatives of the senior officials are working on the similar positions.  The respondent further submitted that the complainant is suffering from the multiple epiphyseal dysplasia disease, which is a genetic disease and not caused due to the employment with the respondent.    
7.       In his rejoinder dated 14.03.2019, the complainant submitted that he will withdraw his Industrial dispute from the Labour Court, if the respondent is ready to accept his demand for reinstatement/re-employment.  The complainant further submitted that he was relieved from service without paying the retrenchment compensation etc. under the provisions of Industrial Disputes Act with mala-fide intention. The disease has developed during the period of his employment due to heavy workload and it is not a genetic disease.    
8.       In the next two dates of hearings on 14.03.2019 and 16.04.2019, clarification on the following issues remained pending:
(i)      whether the complainant was retrenched or terminated and whether he was paid the applicable dues; and
(ii)      whether the complainant was singled out for termination/retrenchment.
9.       Therefore, the matter had to be adjourned once again to 15.05.2019.  Though no written clarification was filed on 15.05.2019, yet Sh. Jitender Kumar, Advocate who appeared for the respondent submitted that the complainant was retrenched which is evident from his ‘service certificate’ dated 04.03.2016 and he has been paid all the dues he was entitled to consequent to his retrenchment.  He further submitted that as per the policy of the company, the low performing employees are given an option either to submit resignation so that their prospects for further employment are not adversely affected or are retrenched/ terminated.  
10.     On the other hand, the complainant stated that he has not been paid the retrenchment compensation by the company.  He also submitted that the company has also not paid him the amount contributed on account of superannuation.  According to the statement of ‘superannuation contribution’ upto 31.03.2015, the amount was Rs.2,65,691/-.  The respondent submitted copy of the claim/petition filed by the complainant before the Court of Sh. S.S. Malhotra, POLC, Karkardoom Courts in which the complainant has requested for various claims apart from superannuation claim. 
11.     It is observed from the list of 87 employees whose list has been submitted by the respondent, between 15.04.2015 and 12.03.2016, all but the complainant, Sh. Upendra Giri, Assistant Manager (Industrial Relations) of MPT, Modification Works for Mangla Polymer Project at serial no. 73 and Sh. Sukhwant Singh, Driver of DCU Piping IOCL, Paradip at serial no. 82, had resigned.  The complainant and Sh. Sukhwant Singh are shown to have been ‘terminated’.  It is observed that despite repeated directions and the provision of Section 93 of the Act that; “Whoever, fails to produce any book, account or other documents or to furnish any statement, information or particulars which, under this Act or any order, or direction made or given there under, is duty bound to produce or furnish or to answer any question put in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or of any order, or direction made or given there under, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees in respect of each offence, and in case of continued failure or refusal, with further fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for each day, of continued failure or refusal after the date of original order imposing punishment of fine”, clear information has not been filed by the respondent even after a lapse of 10 months.  This gives an impression that the possibility of discrimination against the complainant on the ground of his disability at some level cannot be ruled out.
12.     Since the complainant has approached the Labour Court under the Employees Compensation Act, that Court will be considering all the issues related to the retrenchment of the complainant and the payment of compensation that he was entitled to.  In light of my observation in para 11 of this order, I recommend that CEO and MD or his representative officer to be deputed by him/her for this purpose, should examine the grievance of the complainant and consider his request and also give an audience to the complainant and settle the matter within 60 days from the date of receipt of this order ensuring non-discrimination on the ground of disability and equal opportunity to the complainant.  The issue of payment of superannuation amount, which as per the complainant, has not been agitated before the Labour Court, should be paid to him, if he is entitled to the same as per the terms of his employment within 20 days of the decision of the CEO and MD.
13.     Action taken report on the above mentioned recommendations be submitted to this Court within three months from the date of receipt of this order as required under Section 81 of the Act.
14.     The complaint is disposed of.
15.     Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 23rd day of May, 2019.

(T.D. Dhariyal)
State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Bhanwar Kali Devi Vs. Commissioner North Delhi Municipal Corporation | Case No. 120/1021/2018/02 /2339-2340 | Dated: 21.05.2019




In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005, Email: comdis.delhi@nic.in
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 120/1021/2018/02 /2339-2340                     Dated: 21.05.2019

In the matter of:

Bhanwar Kali Devi,
N-9, Vijay Vihar, Uttam Nagar,
New Delhi-110059                                                       ……Complainant
                                                 Versus
The Commissioner,
North Delhi Municipal Corporation,
Dr. SPM Civic Centre, Minto Road,
New Delhi-110002                                                        …..Respondent

Date of hearing: 15.05.2019
Present:             Sh. Krishan Kumar alongwith Sh. B.S. Yadav (Complainant)
                             Sh. Louis Daniel Kuzur (Admin. Officer) alongwith Sh. P.S. Rawat on behalf of the respondent
ORDER
          The above named complainant, a person with blindness vide her  application dated 13.12.2017 addressed to the Commissioner, North DMC with a copy to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities requested for grant of senior scale to her husband Sh. P.S. Chaudhary, who retired as Assistant Engineer (Electrical) on 31.07.1995.  Brief facts of the case are as under:-

     i.           Her husband Sh. P.S. Chaudhary was appointed in the erstwhile MCD as Junior Engineer (Electrical) on 27.06.1961 in the scale of Rs. 180-300 which was revised to 425-700 w.e.f. 01.01.1973.

     ii.         He was further granted selection scale of Rs. 500-900/- w.e.f. 01.07.1976.

    iii.         He was promoted to the post of Assistant Engineer (Elect.) on current duty charge basis vide Office Order No. F.1(318)/EAI/Engg./90/87/1048 dt. 30.07.1990, during Current Duty charge he continued to draw his own pay scale of selection grade of J.E.(E) granted to him on 01.07.1976.

  iv.          He retired on 31.07.1995 in his own pay scale of Selection grade of J.E.(E) granted to him on 01.07.1976.

    v.          MCD’s circular dated 18.10.1994 stated that Junior Engineers who had completed more than 15 years of service in the grade of J.E(E) as on 01.01.1991 were to be considered in the higher scale of Rs. 2000-3500/- w.e.f. 01.01.1991. 

  vi.         Her husband had completed more than 29 years as on 01.01.1991 and was eligible for grant of senior scale.As per the complainant, he was also clear from the vigilance angle, but was granted the senior scale due to him w.e.f. 01.01.1991.

2.      The complainant was taken up with the respondent and an Action Taken Report by 10.05.2018 was sought vide this court letter dated 12.04.2018 followed by reminder dated 11.06.2018, a show cause notice dated 18.10.2018 and another reminder dated 08.01.2019.  As there was no response, a hearing was scheduled on 12.03.2019. 

3.      On 12.03.2019, Sh. Krishan Kumar, son of the complainant appeared and submitted that many of the juniors of his father were granted the higher scale w.e.f. 01.01.1991.  But his father was denied the same.  Consequently, his mother, who is a person with blindness is, not getting revised monthly family pension.  He further submitted that his mother has been representing to the Commissioner, North DMC but there has not been any response.  He requested that the family pension of his mother should be fixed as per the revised pay scale and all the arrears of pay, enhanced pension and revised family pension may be paid to her.  He produced the following family pension documents in support of the claim of his mother. 

                     i.        Letter No. D/660/EEE-III/2015-16 dated 11.09.2015 of EE.(Elec.).III, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, O/o the EE(E).III, M.C.(P) School, Moti Nagar (East) New Delhi.
                    ii.        Copy of representation dated 29.07.1998 of Late Sh. P.S. Chaudhary, Retd. AE(E) addressed to Commissioner, MCD, Town Hall, Delhi.
                  iii.        Copy of U.O. Note No. D/HE-I/Engg./Estt./99/3386 dated 10.06.1999 & 14.06.1999 to Addl. Commissioner (Engg.), MCD, Town Hall, Delhi.

4.      As none appeared on behalf of the respondent, Commissioner, North MCD was requested to personally look into the matter and next date of hearing was fixed on 12.04.2019.

5.      On 12.04.2019, Sh. Atul Bhardwaj, EE(Elect.), SDMC submitted that late Sh. P.S. Chaudhary was working as AR(E), Najafgarh Zone and was getting his salary and retirement dues from ACA (Engineering) under unified MCD.  His service book and the personal file are not in the Office of EE (Elect.), SDMC.  As per record, the same were sent to ACA (Engineering), North DMC on 19.09.1990.  The issue of grant of pay scale of Rs. 2000-3500/- w.e.f. 01.01.1991 therefore needs to be resolved by North DMC. 

6.      The representatives of the respondent who appeared after the hearing, were advised to sort out the matter and submit an action taken report by 01.05.2019 and the matter was fixed for hearing 15.05.2019.

7.      In compliance with the directions vide ROP dated 15.04.2019, Administrative Officer, Engineering Department (Headquarter), North DMC vide letter dated 09.05.2019, a copy of which has been sent to the complainant, hassubmitted that after trifurcation of erstwhile MCD,  the office of EE (Elect.)-III/ Moti Nagar falls under the jurisdiction of West Zone i.e. South DMC.  They have, therefore requested the personal file and service book of Sh. P.S. Chaudhary from the office of EE (Elect.)-III/ West Zone, where he was last posted before his retirement.  The Accounts Department (Pension), SDMC has also been requested to provide his complete file and supporting documents and sincere efforts are being made to obtain the relevant records.  It may take 06 to 07 months to finalize the case and 07 to 08 months time has been sought to complete the process of granting higher pay in the scale of Rs. 2000-3500 w.e.f. 01.01.1991 to late Sh. Chaudhary. 

8.      The representatives of the respondent, who appeared for the hearing,stated that once the records are available,all efforts will be made to finalize the matter within the shortest of possible time. 
 
9.      Sh. Krishan Kumar S/o Smt. Bhanwar Kali Devi, who appeared on her behalf, submitted that her mother is suffering from different diseases and remains in the hospital for about 10 days in a month.  They have written 14-15 letters to the concerned Department, but have not received any response.  He requested that the orders to finalize the case within 10 to 15 days should be passed. 

10.    From the interaction with the functionaries of North DMC and SDMC during the hearings of this case, it is observed that retrieval of old record may have been a challenge due to the fact that the offices for payment of salary of late Sh. Chaudhary and his deployment werestated to bedifferent and trifurcation of the erstwhile MCD may have contributed to it.  But the stalemate can not be allowed to continue indefinitely, as the complainant had submitted her representation on 05.05.2018 to SDMC and prior to that, Sh. Chaudhary had been representing to the concerned authorities.  Be that as it may, now that the responsible officers in whose possession the records are, have been identified, and keeping in view the situation of the complainant, the matter should be resolved on top priority.

11.    In the facts and circumstances of the case, it is recommended that fixation of pay of late Sh. Chaudhary, revision of his pension, revision of family pension of the complainant and payment of arrears of the pay/ pension/ family pension be finalized within 3 months from the date of receipt of this order. 

12.    An Action Taken Report be submitted to this court as required under Section 81 of the Act.

13.    It is observed that a certificate that Smt. Bhanwar Kali Devi w/o Late Sh. P.S. Chaudhary has 100% visual disability, was issued by Prof. K.P.S. Malik, Addl. D.G. & HOD of Ophthalmology Safdarjung Hospital.  It bears the date of issue as 26thday of March without mentioning the year.  The certificate is apparently very old and Sh. Krishan Kumar stated that she acquired blindness in the year 2008.  While there is no doubt about the disability of the complainant, Sh. Krishan Kumar is advised to contact and get a certificate of disability from any of the following 3 hospitals which are designated for issuing Certificate of disability for visual disability for West Delhi residents vide circular number F.No.24/Misc.Policy/Disability/DHS/ NHC/1039-45 dated 02.05.2019 of Health & Family Welfare (Department):

          (i) Deen Dayal Upadhya Hospital, Hari Nagar
          (ii) Guru Gobind Singh Govt. Hospital, Raghubir Nagar
          (iii) Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel Hospital, Patel Nagar

14.    Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 21thday of May, 2019.



                                                                                                (T.D.Dhariyal)
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities