Chandigarh, Dec. 26 -- In a major relief to the Punjab pensioners who retired between July 31, 2003 and October 30, 2006, the high court has ruled that they are entitled to a higher rate of commutation.

Commutation of pension refers to a lump sum amount of payment availed by an employee at the time of retirement in lieu of a portion of pension surrendered voluntarily.

The bench of Justice Anoop Chitkara and Justice Sukhvinder Kaur held them entitled for higher rate as was in existence prior to July 31, 2003 and after October 30, 2006 and has directed the state to re-calculate the commutation and pay the difference of the same to the petitioners by March 31, 2026. The judgment will be applicable in the case of only those who were before ...