Summary: P.Logamani's request to cancel the orders affecting her retirement benefits was turned down by the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. The court decided that taking back the extra money paid was fair.
P.Logamani, a retired Primary School Headmaster, filed a legal request against the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, Principal Accountant General, and other officials. She wanted to cancel orders that stopped her retirement benefits, saying they were taken away unfairly.
This isn't P.Logamani's first time in court. She had previously fought against similar deductions in 2013. The court then canceled the order to take back money and told the Principal Secretary to give a reason if they wanted to lower her pay.
“The Principal Secretary is directed to issue a notice to P.Logamani explaining why her pay is being reduced...” - Court Order, 2013
Following the court's direction, the Block Educational Officer sent a notice to P.Logamani. Her pay was adjusted according to the rules, and the extra money she received was ordered to be taken back. Even after she explained her side, the authorities stuck to their decision.
The court, led by Justice Dr. A.D. Maria Clete, found the actions of the Principal Secretary and other officials to be fair. The Principal Accountant General explained that the pay scale change was correct and any extra money needed to be returned.
“The pay revision reducing the pay of P.Logamani made by the Block Educational Officer Cumbum is correct and as per rules...” - Respondents' Statement
The court rejected P.Logamani's request, stating it couldn't be accepted. The related requests were also closed without any decision on who pays for the legal costs.
“...the legal request is found to be unacceptable and is therefore dismissed.” - Final Judgment
The decision highlights the need to follow updated pay scales and why it's fair to take back extra payments, even after retirement.
