Delhi HC: Retired CISF Officer Wins Back Pay and Pension Benefits

Quick Summary: Ramesh Chander Sharma, a retired CISF officer, wins a case in the Delhi High Court to receive overdue pay and pension benefits. The court ruled that he should get the Grade Pay of Rs. 5,400 with back pay, following delays in administrative processing.

The Background: From Steno-Typist to Senior PA

Ramesh Chander Sharma started his career as a Steno-Typist in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on March 29, 1971. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, becoming a Senior Personal Assistant in 1989 with a pay scale of Rs. 6,500–10,500.

The Pay Fixation Story

• 5th Pay Commission: Ramesh Chander Sharma's pay was set at Rs. 6,500–10,500.
• Upgrade in 2008: He was promoted to Private Secretary (PS) with a pay scale of Rs. 7,500–12,000, effective from November 21, 2008.
• 6th Pay Commission: His pay was set at Rs. 19,530 plus a Grade Pay of Rs. 4,800 on January 20, 2011.

The Request: Seeking Grade Pay and Back Pay

Ramesh Chander Sharma approached the Central Administrative Tribunal in 2014, asking for:

• Adjustment of his pay in the old scale of Rs. 8,000–13,500 from April 11, 2005.
• Grade Pay of Rs. 5,400 from January 1, 2006.
• Back pay and benefits from these adjustments.

The Tribunal granted the Grade Pay but denied back pay due to delay in filing.

Court's Decision: Back Pay Must Be Paid

Justice Madhu Jain and Justice Navin Chawla of the Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Ramesh Chander Sharma on December 24, 2025. They stated:

"Once the legal right to the higher Grade Pay is established, its financial consequences follow automatically."

The court emphasized that Sharma's consistent efforts to claim his entitlements were not met with timely responses, and thus, the delay was not his fault.

Ruling Highlights

• Entitlement Confirmed: Ramesh Chander Sharma is entitled to the Grade Pay of Rs. 5,400 from January 1, 2006.
• Back Pay Granted: The court ordered back pay for three years prior to the petition filing, with 6% interest.
• Fairness Principle: The court noted similar cases where officers received back pay, highlighting the need for equal treatment.

Summary of Verdict

The court directed the payment of back pay and interest within eight weeks. This ruling marks a significant win for Sharma and sets a precedent for similar cases, ensuring that retired personnel receive the benefits they rightfully earned.