Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Delhi HC Orders Centre to Consider Live-in Partner for Pension
A retired government employee asked the court to include his live-in partner and their two children in his pension benefits.
The court said yes, because the employee was honest about his relationship.
The government had taken away half of his pension and other benefits, but the court said that was not fair.
The court told the government to give the employee his full pension and to think about including his partner and children in his benefits.
The employee had been living with his partner for over 40 years and had always been open about it.
The court also said the government should pay him interest on the money they withheld.
Delhi High Court directed the Centre to consider including a retired government employee's live-in partner and their children in his pension benefits.
The court found that the employee had been transparent about his relationship and there was no grave misconduct or negligence.
The court set aside a 2018 order that had withheld 50% of the employee's monthly pension and gratuity benefits.
The court directed the release of the withheld amounts along with 6% interest per annum from the due date to the actual payment date.
The employee had faced disciplinary action in 1990 and 2011 for his relationship but maintained transparency throughout.
- Who
- Retired government employee and his live-in partner of over 40 years and their two children
- What
- Delhi High Court directed the Centre to consider including the names of the retired employee's live-in partner and their children in the Pension Payment Order for family pension and healthcare facilities
- When
- The court's decision was passed on January 7, with the disciplinary action against the petitioner occurring in 1990 and 2011
- Where
- Delhi High Court
- Why
- The court found no legitimate reason to withhold the pension and gratuity benefits and directed the release of the withheld amounts along with interest
- Petitioner
- Retired government employee
- Live-in Partner Duration
- Over 40 years
- Children
- Two
- Pension Withheld
- 50% of monthly pension and gratuity
- Interest Rate on Delayed Payments
- 6% per annum
- Disciplinary Action
- Reduction in pay by four stages for four years
- Court's Decision Date
- January 7