Suvendu slams Mamata Govt: ₹200 cr spent to deny DA despite SC order for immediate payment

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the West Bengal government spent over ₹200 crore in legal expenses to delay the payment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to state government employees. The allegation follows a Supreme Court directive ordering the state to pay 25% of the DA arrears within four weeks. The legal dispute over DA began at the tribunal level and continued through the Calcutta High Court, eventually reaching the Supreme Court.

Despite multiple rulings in favour of the employees, the state reportedly continued contesting the matter in court. Adhikari stated that the government knew its Special Leave Petition would not succeed in the Supreme Court but still proceeded, incurring significant legal costs. He claimed the ₹200 crore spent on the legal battle could have been used for development, including construction of 10 hospitals or 200 schools.

On Friday, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Manoj Misra, directed the state government to pay 25% of the DA arrears within four weeks. The court had earlier considered ordering a 50% payment, but after the government counsel appealed for leniency, the court allowed the lower amount. The next hearing will be scheduled after the state complies with this order.

Adhikari also pointed out that both the tribunal and the Calcutta High Court had ruled in favour of the employees before the case reached the apex court. He accused the state government of dragging the case intentionally. "The government is fortunate that the Supreme Court has asked for only 25% now,” Adhikari said, adding that previous court directives had called for a 50% payment.