Pension benefits must be released following name correction in service records per government guidelines.

The applicant, a retired employee aged over 60 years, challenged the action of the respondents (BSNL and the Department of Telecommunications) in withholding his monthly pension and pensionary benefits since August 2025

The respondents cited a "minor discrepancy" in the applicant's name within his service records as the basis for the stoppage

The applicant contended that he had already settled the discrepancy in accordance with the norms and procedures established by the Government of India

Despite numerous representations, the respondents failed to release the benefits, leading the applicant to seek a direction for the release of dues with 24% interest

1. Whether the respondents are legally obligated to release the withheld pensionary benefits if the name discrepancy was rectified as per the prescribed government guidelines

2. Whether the Tribunal should direct a time-bound consideration of the applicant's representation regarding the correction of name and release of pension

The Tribunal exercised its jurisdiction under Section 19 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985

guidelines issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions (Department of Personnel Training) via Office Memorandum dated 12.03.1987, which establishes the official procedure for the correction of an employee's name in service records

The Tribunal observed that the prayer was limited to the release of withheld pension, which is a fundamental livelihood issue for a senior citizen

It determined that the matter could be resolved at the admission stage by directing the respondents to verify the applicant's compliance with the relevant 1987 Office Memorandum

The Court reasoned that if the applicant had indeed followed the prescribed procedure for name correction, there was no legal justification for the continued withholding of his pension

The Tribunal emphasized the need for a "reasoned and speaking order" to ensure administrative accountability and transparency in addressing the applicant's grievances

the respondents were directed to allow the release of the monthly pension withheld since August 2025

The Tribunal ordered the respondents to pass a reasoned and speaking order within six weeks and communicate the same to the applicant

No costs were awarded