P. Sam Koshy, J
1. The grievance of the petitioner is that the petitioner has not been paid retiral dues and has been withheld on account of his being involved in a
criminal case in a crime under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.
2. Subsequently, the petitioner has been acquitted from the criminal court vide judgment dated 28.09.2017. Meanwhile, the petitioner had crossed the
age of superannuation and in the light of the acquittal of the petitioner in criminal case the petitioner would have to be firstly treated as in service for
the intervening period though he was placed under suspension and subsequently he would also be entitled for all the pensionary benefits and retiral
dues payable to him. The provisions of Fundamental Rules, 54-B has to be taken note of by the department while considering the claim of the
petitioner.
3. Under such circumstances, let the respondents No.2&3 take a decision on the claim of the petitioner in the light of provisions of Fundamental Rules
54-B particularly taking note of the judgment of acquittal passed in favour of the petitioner on 28.09.2017. It is further clarified that just because there
is an appeal pending against the judgment of acquittal by itself would not be a disqualification for the petitioner for getting the pension and pensionary
benefits. Releasing of such pensionary benefits would be subject to the outcome of the appeal against the acquittal.
4. Let his exercise be concluded by respondents No.2&3 within a period of 90 days from the date of receipt of copy of this order.
5. Consequently, the order dated 20.06.2018 being violative of provisions of FR 54-B is not sustainable. The same deserves to be and is accordingly
set aside.
6. The petition accordingly stands allowed and disposed of.
