IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 116 (I) CWP-26964-2023 (O&M) Date of Decision : July 23, 2026 RAJESHVAR RAI AND OTHERS -PETITIONERS V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS -RESPONDENTS (II) CWP-5395-2025 (O&M) SUNAIYA MAHAJAN -PETITIONER V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS -RESPONDENTS CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI Present: Mr. Parvesh K Saini, Advocate, and Mr. Budhadev Maity, Advocate for the petitioners (in CWP-26964-2023). Mr. Yaseen Sethi, Advocate for the petitioner (in CWP-5395-2025). Mr. Sahil R. Bakshi, A.A.G., Punjab. *** KULDEEP TIWARI, J. (ORAL) 1. Both these writ petitions are amenable to being decided through a common verdict inasmuch as a common relief has been yearned therethrough, viz. issuance of directions to the respondents to release the salaries of the petitioners (Masters/Mistresses) for the period commencing from the date of their initial joining in the Education Department till the date of their joining at their respective allotted Government schools in the State of Punjab upon completion of their training. It is their specific case that salaries for the aforesaid period have already been released to more than DEVINDER YADAV 2026.07.24 14:59 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment CWP-26964-2023 and CWP-5395-2025 2 3,000 similarly situated Masters/Mistresses, who were appointed along with them. 2. At the outset, learned State counsel, on instructions received from Ms. Parminder Kaur, Assistant Director, D.P.I. (School Education), submits that out of the total 49 petitioners in CWP-26964-2023, the salaries of 45 petitioners have already been released. Insofar as the remaining four petitioners, i.e. petitioners No.6, 21, 33 and 36, are concerned, it is submitted that the necessary directions for release of their salaries have already been issued and the requisite amount is lying with the District Treasury Officer concerned, from where the same shall be disbursed within a period of six weeks from today. It is further submitted that the salary of the petitioner in CWP-5395-2025 has also already been released. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioners, however, submit that the petitioners are also entitled to interest on account of the delayed release of their salaries. 4. In view of the statement made by learned State counsel, the principal grievance raised in these writ petitions stands redressed, inasmuch as the salaries of the majority of the petitioners have already been released and a specific assurance has been furnished that the salaries of the remaining four petitioners shall be released within six weeks from today. Consequently, nothing further survives for adjudication in these writ petitions, which are accordingly closed. However, liberty is granted to the petitioners to submit representation(s) before the competent authority claiming interest on the delayed salaries. In the event such representation(s) is submitted, the competent authority shall consider and decide the same DEVINDER YADAV 2026.07.24 14:59 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment CWP-26964-2023 and CWP-5395-2025 3 expeditiously, in accordance with law, after affording the petitioners adequate opportunity of hearing. 5. Both these writ petitions stand disposed of. 6. Pending applications, if any, also stand disposed of accordingly. 7. A photocopy of this order be placed on file of connected case. (KULDEEP TIWARI) July 23, 2026 JUDGE devinder Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No DEVINDER YADAV 2026.07.24 14:59 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment