NT Reporter
Panaji
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the state of Goa and the Directorate of Accounts to release the retiral benefits of retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Shamba M Sawant, within six weeks, along with 6% interest.
The court found no justification for withholding Sawant’s benefits following his retirement on January 31, 2017. It noted that an August 8, 2025, order conclusively recorded that a disciplinary inquiry could not proceed after his retirement, and that Internal Complaints Committee proceedings against him had been
dropped.
Sawant, who retired on superannuation, had moved the court in 2024 claiming his department’s inaction deprived him of pension, gratuity, and
other dues. He also sought 15% interest on delayed payments.
The High Court ruled that, since the inquiry proceedings have ended, the order of the Director of Vigilance could only be implemented by deducting 50% of his pension, while releasing the remaining 50%, along with gratuity and all other retiral benefits.
It further held that the recovery of 50% is subject to proceedings Sawant may institute, and any further remedy will depend on the final outcome before the appropriate forum.
