Mamata on DA Order: Ambiguity After SC Directive, CM to Consult Lawyers

• The Supreme Court ruled that Dearness Allowance (DA) is a legal right of government employees, directing the West Bengal government to immediately pay 25% of outstanding DA arrears.
• The ruling by Justices Sanjay Karol and Manoj Misra applies to DA arrears from August 2009 to December 2019, with guidelines for the remaining 75% payment.
• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated she has not received the SC order copy and will consult lawyers, forming a committee under the Chief Secretary to study it.
• The state government recently announced a 4% DA increase in the interim budget, effective from April 1, which is separate from the SC's directive on past arrears.
• The Supreme Court had previously issued an interim order on May 16 last year, also directing the payment of 25% DA, which must now be implemented immediately.