Subordinate Judiciary in the Punjab –AG 30.12.2019
In an ongoing effort to improve the terms and conditions of the court staff serving within the subordinate judiciary of Punjab, a comprehensive review and clarification have been issued by the Office of the Accountant General Punjab. This follows previous correspondences and aims to address discrepancies and confusion regarding the applicability of certain allowances to various courts under the subordinate judiciary. This detailed clarification is crucial for ensuring that the judicial and utility allowances are administered correctly, avoiding any potential misinterpretations or unauthorized payments.
Background and Reference
This communication is a follow-up to your letter No.DAO/RWPP/GAD-1/HM/246 dated 20.11.2019 regarding the aforementioned subject. The need for this clarification arises from observed misapplications of allowances which are sanctioned specifically for the subordinate judiciary but have been erroneously extended to courts that do not fall under this category.
Judicial and Utility Allowances
As per the Finance Department’s letter No.FD.SR-1/9-1/99 dated 13.08.2008, the Judicial Allowance and the Utility Allowance were approved for the subordinate judiciary. However, it has been noted that there is a persistent misunderstanding regarding the applicability of these allowances to other courts, such as Anti-Terrorism Courts and Drug Courts. It is imperative to understand that, according to the Finance Department’s letter No.FD.SR.1-9-1/99(P) dated 01.07.2010, these courts do not come under the purview of the subordinate judiciary. Therefore, employees of these courts are not eligible for the Judicial and Utility Allowances.
Previous Correspondence and Clarifications
Attention is drawn to previous correspondences from this office, particularly No.TM-1/1-1A/Part File/2018-19/33-36 dated 01.08.2019, and the Punjab Finance Department’s letter No.FD.SR-1/7-5/2018(181017/42906) dated 01.07.2019. These documents clearly state that the Finance Department filed a civil appeal against the Lahore High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This legal context is essential for understanding the current stance on the allowances and their applicability.
Advisory and Compliance
Given the above clarifications, it is crucial for all District Accounts Offices to exercise due diligence and caution when processing payments to departments that do not fall under the subordinate judiciary. Any payments made inconsistent with the outlined rules could warrant strict actions against those responsible for such violations. It is advised that meticulous checks and balances be maintained to ensure compliance with the established guidelines.
Dissemination of Information
This directive is issued with the approval of the Accountant General and necessitates immediate compliance and communication across all relevant offices. Copies of this directive are being forwarded for information and necessary action to the District Accounts Officers in Multan and Bahawalpur, as well as the Accounts Officer Incharge Pay Roll (Coordination) Local.
Conclusion
In summary, this detailed clarification serves to reiterate the proper administration of allowances within the subordinate judiciary, ensuring that all financial transactions are handled with the utmost accuracy and in accordance with the prescribed rules. Adherence to these guidelines is essential for maintaining the integrity and financial accountability of the judiciary’s administrative operations.
