The Jodhpur High Court has issued a contempt notice to the medical department in the Bhanwari Devi murder case. Officials have been asked to explain why the death certificate has not been issued and pension has been withheld. The family's demands in the matter are still pending.
Jodhpur: A case related to the Bhanwari Devi murder case has now come to the notice of the court in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Jodhpur High Court has issued a contempt notice to the medical department in this matter. The reason for the notice has been stated as the non-payment of pension to Bhanwari Devi's son and daughters after her death and the disregard for her death certificate. The court has summoned an explanation from the concerned officials and also directed them to submit the necessary documents.
Pension Dispute in Bhanwari Devi Case Reaches High Court
The son, Sahil Pemawat, and two daughters of the victim's family in the Bhanwari Devi murder case have raised this issue in the High Court. They state that the medical department is continuously delaying pension payments and is evading payment by making excuses regarding the death certificate of the deceased employee.
According to information, the then Jodhpur CMHO had declared Bhanwari Devi deceased and removed her from service, issuing an order to this effect on January 16, 2012. Subsequently, on February 28, 2012, the department appointed their son Sahil to a job under compassionate grounds. However, now, in the process of pension disbursement, the department has kept the matter pending by citing the death certificate.
High Court's Action
A contempt petition was filed by Bhanwari Devi's family on September 3, 2025. The hearing took place on September 9. During the hearing, the High Court clarified that the defiance of a pending court order under any pretext would not be tolerated.
The High Court issued notices and summoned explanations from the concerned officials—CMHO Dr. Surendra Singh Shekhawat, Medical Secretary Gayatri Rathore, Director (Non-Gazetted), Medical Directorate's Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Pension Department, and LIC. The court also stated that the department should submit all related documents to the court.
Reason for Not Receiving Pension
Bhanwari Devi's family stated that the department is continuously delaying the pension disbursement process. They are being deprived of financial assistance by using the death certificate as an excuse. Sahil Pemawat explained that due to this delay by the department, the family is facing financial difficulties.
According to experts, such delays in the pension payments of government employees are often due to administrative negligence and disregard for documents. In such cases, the intervention of the High Court becomes necessary so that the victim's family can receive their legal rights.
High Court's Message
The Jodhpur High Court made it clear that the defiance of court orders by any government department is unacceptable. The court stated that the department is obligated to disburse pension as per the order. The court also directed the timely submission of necessary documents.
This case, in particular, highlights administrative accountability and the seriousness of adhering to government orders. This action by the High Court sends a message that the judiciary will not tolerate defiance of its orders and will take strict action against responsible officials.
