WPA/24705/2026 of SOMBARI MANDI Vs STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS. on 17 September 2026

1. Mr. Pronay Basak, learned advocate, represents the State. Let the appointment of Mr. Basak be regularized.

2. Petitioner claims to be the wife of one Late Chaitanya Charan Mandi, a former Sub-Inspector of Police, who retired in 2005 and expired sometime in October, 2020.

3. Petitioner claims that she is not getting the pension, on account of her deceased husband.

4. Learned advocate for the State, on instructions, submits that the petitioner is the second wife of the deceased employee and, in fact, such marriage had taken place after his retirement. He further submits that his first wife, one Mayna Mandi has

2 been receiving pension without any protest or demur.

5. Both the parties are ad idem, that the representations made by the petitioner of 2024 and July, 2026 ought to be considered in the light of the legal heirs certificate of the petitioner herein as well as requisite certificates relied upon by Mayna Mandi to obtain pension on account of the deceased employee.

6. In view of the fact that the representations of the petitioner have not been considered by the authorities, the respondent no.5 is directed to give a hearing to the petitioner as well as Mayna Mandi upon adequate prior notice. The respondent no.5 will pass a reasoned order as to the entitlement between the two wives of the deceased employee. The entire process shall be completed within a period of eight weeks from date.

7. The writ petition is disposed of.

8. No order as to costs.

9. Urgent photostat certified copies of this order, if applied for, be given to the parties, upon compliance of all requisite formalities.

(Reetobroto Kumar Mitra, J.)