DA Case Update: Key Judge Returns for Supreme Court Hearing – Will Employees Finally Get Their Dues?

DA Case Update: This is extremely important news for state government employees. The hearing for the Dearness Allowance (DA) case is scheduled for August 26, 2025. This Supreme Court hearing has created new hope and excitement among employees because some significant changes have occurred that could determine the future course of the case.

The Significance of the August 26th Hearing

The upcoming hearing is listed as item number four in the Supreme Court’s daily cause list. This is a significant detail because cases listed early in the day typically receive ample time for a detailed hearing. It can be inferred that the court is giving this case considerable importance and is likely prepared for a lengthy session. State government employees have been fighting for their rightful DA for a long time, and this hearing could be a crucial turning point in their struggle.

The Return of Justice Sandeep Mehta

The most noteworthy aspect of this hearing is the return of Justice Sandeep Mehta to the bench. Previously, the division bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Mehta had ruled in favor of the employees, ordering the payment of 25% of the outstanding DA. Although Justice Mehta was absent from subsequent hearings, he will now hear the case jointly with Justice Karol again on August 26th. The fact that the same two judges who brought smiles to the employees’ faces are hearing the case together again is undoubtedly a positive development.

• The Historic Bench: It was this bench of Justice Karol and Mehta that issued the historic order on May 16, 2025, for the payment of 25% of the DA arrears.
• Consistency: The continuity of the same bench hearing the case increases the likelihood of a consistent judgment, which is encouraging for the employees.
• A Symbol of Trust: The employees’ faith in this bench has boosted their morale.

The Contempt of Court Case

Three contempt of court cases have been tagged along with the main DA case. These cases were filed by various employee organizations because the state government failed to pay the DA arrears within the timeframe stipulated by the court. Hearing these cases along with the main petition is expected to increase the pressure on the state government. If the court takes a strict stance on the contempt issue, the state government may be compelled to clear the dues quickly.

Potential Outcomes and Employee Expectations

The hearing on August 26th is of utmost importance for state government employees. The return of Justice Sandeep Mehta and the inclusion of the contempt of court cases have significantly increased the gravity of the matter. Employees are hopeful that the Supreme Court will honor their long-standing, legitimate demand and issue a clear directive to the state government to pay the entire outstanding Dearness Allowance within a specific deadline. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court, waiting to see the final verdict in this case.