(2026:JHHC:2470) 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI Cont. Case (Civil). No. 822 of 2024 Shanti Devi, aged about 68 years, widow of late Mahendra Ram, residing at Magistrate Colony, near Survey of India Gate, Post Doranda, Police Station Doranda, District - Doranda. … … Petitioner Versus 1. Mr. Rahul Kumar Purwar, son of not known to the petitioner, presently posted as the Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Technical Education and Skill Development, Government of Jharkhand, Ranchi, officiating from Administrative Building, Dhurwa, Post Dhurwa, Police Station Jagarnathpur, District - Ranchi. 2. Mr. Ram Niwas Yadav, son of not known to the petitioner, presently posted as the Director, Department of Higher Technical Education and Skill Development, Government of Jharkhand, Ranchi officiating from Administrative Building, Dhurwa, Post Dhurwa, Police Station Jagarnathpur, District - Ranchi. 3. Mr. Binod Narayan, son of not known to the petitioner, presently posted as the Registrar, Ranchi University officiating from Ranchi University, Post GPO, Police Station Sadar, District - Ranchi. 4. Mr. Ajit Kumar Sinha, son of not known to the petitioner, presently posted as the Vice Chancellor, Ranchi University officiating from Ranchi University, Post - GPO, Police Station Sadar, District - Ranchi. 5. The State of Jharkhand. … … Opp. Parties --- CORAM : SRI ANANDA SEN, J. --- For the Petitioner : Mrs. Ritu Kumar, Advocate For the Opp. Parties : Mr. Rishabh Kaushal, AC to GP-III : Ms. Aprajita Bharadwaj, Advocate --- 06/30th January 2026 1. Heard the learned counsels for the parties. (2026:JHHC:2470) 2 2. It has been admitted that the pension of the petitioner has been fixed as per the recommendation of 6th and 7th Pay Revision Commission and the only grievance of the petitioner is in respect to the gratuity. 3. According to the petitioner, the gratuity has not been paid to her and the same has been withheld which is not in compliance with the order dated 16.05.2024 passed by this Court in W.P. (S). No. 3987 of 2021. 4. After hearing the parties, I find that there is a criminal case pending against the petitioner. In terms of Rule 43(C ) of the Bihar Pension Rules, liberty is with the State to withhold gratuity till conclusion of the criminal proceeding. 5. Thus, it cannot be said that the State has committed contempt of the order passed in W.P. (S). No. 3987 of 2021. 6. Accordingly, this contempt petition is hereby dropped. 7. Interlocutory Application No. 12811 of 2025 stands disposed of. (ANANDA SEN, J.) Aditi Dated: - 30th January 2026 Uploaded on:- 03.02.2026