TruthWave Investigation | September 2, 2026

Punjab’s dispute over roughly ₹14,191 crore in unpaid dearness allowance and dearness relief has moved from an employee-pay dispute into a wider question about public finance and constitutional appropriation.

What happened

On September 1, 2026, the Punjab government moved the Supreme Court against the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s August 3 order directing payment of pending DA/DR dues within a fortnight.

The state’s argument

The State says the timetable is financially difficult and constitutionally problematic because withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund must follow the appropriation process.

The employees’ position

Employees and pensioners have filed a caveat so they can be heard if the Supreme Court considers interim relief.

What remains to be decided

• Whether the Supreme Court grants interim relief.
• How constitutional appropriation rules apply to the payment timetable.
• How the accumulated liability should be financed.
• What rights employees and pensioners retain during the litigation.

Source

Supreme Court proceedings and published reporting.