Possible to pay one instalment of DA arrears immediately? HC asks Kerala govt

KOCHI: The High Court asked whether the government would be able to pay at least one instalment of the arrears of dearness allowance for government employees and teachers. As the government sought time to state its position on this, the matter was adjourned to April 8. The bench of Justice Viju Abraham was considering a sub-petition alleging that no further action was taken despite the government's announcement that the arrears would be paid in eight instalments.

The demand in the sub-petition filed by the Federation of All Kerala University Employees Organisations, State President N. Mahesh states that at least one instalment of the arrears should be ordered to be paid by the end of March with a reasonable interest.

Special Government Pleader P.K. Babu, appearing for the government, informed that the last instalment of the DA granted will be paid along with the salary for April, and the arrears will be paid in eight instalments during the financial year 2026-27.

The DA arrears are due from July 2021 to 2024. The government decided to pay them in instalments after a petition was filed against this, including in the High Court. However, Mahesh filed a sub-petition through senior advocate George Poonthottam, alleging that the detailed order has not yet been issued.