At least four people were killed and dozens injured when two trains collided outside the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Monday. State media report that a stationary commuter train was hit from behind by a long-distance commuter train arriving on the same track
Colour is at the heart of Kashmir’s textile traditions, especially for the world renowned Pashmina shawls and Kashmir silks. Yet producing these rich hues often comes with an environmental cost to ecosystems. Studies show that many textile industries use synthetic dyes during dyeing and printing
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.What makes side-by-side door refrigerators a popular choice in Indian homes? (2026)These refrigerators come with energy efficient inverter compressors and are ideal for families of five
Mumbai man sets road on fire to record birthday reel, gets arrested as video goes viralThe man was booked for pouring inflammable liquid on the road and setting it on fire. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 6:09 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A 33-year-old Mumbai car dealer was arrested by
India on Monday named Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi as its next high commissioner to Bangladesh. The appointment is a rare instance of a non-Indian Foreign Service officer being named to the role and comes as New Delhi seeks to reset ties with Dhaka
Supreme Court clarifies GPF nominee rights: No succession certificate needed for amounts above ₹5,000

Supreme Court clarifies GPF nominee rights: No succession certificate needed for amounts above ₹5,000
The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment that brings long-awaited clarity to rules governing General Provident Fund (GPF) nominations for government employees. The ruling states that when a deceased employee has made a valid nominee declaration, the entire GPF amount must be paid directly to the nominee—regardless of whether the sum exceeds ₹5,000.
Importantly, the court ruled that no succession certificate, probate, or letter of administration is required for releasing the amount to the nominee in such cases. This decision resolves a long-standing legal confusion that had caused delays and disputes for families of deceased government employees.
The judgment is expected to benefit thousands of government workers and their families while also simplifying administrative procedures for government departments.
Background of the Case
The case originated after the death of a central government employee who had officially nominated his brother, Paresh Chandra Mandal, as the sole beneficiary of his GPF account.
Following the employee's death, certain relatives—including nephews—objected to the release of the GPF funds. They argued that since the amount exceeded ₹5,000, the nominee must first obtain a succession certificate or other legal documents before receiving the money.
Based on this objection, the concerned government department refused to release the GPF balance to the nominee.
Aggrieved by the delay, the nominee approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Kolkata, which ruled in his favor. The Union government challenged the decision before the Calcutta High Court, but the High Court also upheld CAT's verdict.
Eventually, the matter reached the Supreme Court after the central government filed an appeal.
What the Supreme Court Ruled
A bench comprising Justice Manoj Mishra and Justice Manmohan dismissed the government's appeal and reaffirmed that a legally nominated person has the first and primary right to receive the GPF amount.
In its order dated January 7, the Supreme Court observed that insisting on legal certificates in cases where a valid nominee exists would defeat the very purpose of the nomination system.
The court emphasized that the objective of nomination is to ensure that money is transferred quickly and smoothly to a designated person after the employee's death, without forcing families into prolonged legal procedures.
According to the court, making succession certificates mandatory for amounts above ₹5,000 would render the nomination process meaningless and create unnecessary hardship for nominees.
Old Law vs Modern Economic Reality
The Supreme Court also pointed out that the ₹5,000 threshold originates from the Provident Funds Act of 1925, when that amount was considered substantial.
However, the court noted that economic conditions and inflation have changed drastically over the last century. What was once a large sum is now relatively modest, making the old limit outdated and impractical in today's financial environment.
The bench further highlighted that the General Provident Fund (Central Services) Rules, 1960, already clarify that if a valid nomination exists, the entire GPF amount—irrespective of its value—should be released to the nominee.
This reinforces that the legal position has long favored nominees, and the present ruling only strengthens that interpretation.
Nominee Is a Trustee, Not the Final Owner
One of the most important aspects of the ruling is the court's clarification of the nominee's legal status.
The Supreme Court stated that a nominee is not the ultimate owner of the money but acts as a trustee who receives the funds on behalf of the rightful legal heirs.
If another heir holds a valid succession certificate, probate, or letter of administration, they can later approach a civil court to claim their lawful share from the nominee.
This means the government's responsibility ends once the money is transferred to the nominee. Any dispute among heirs must be resolved privately through legal channels and does not involve the employer or the department.
Why This Judgment Matters
This decision has wide implications for government employees and their families:
For families dealing with emotional and financial stress after losing a loved one, the ruling offers both legal clarity and practical relief.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court's ruling marks a significant step toward simplifying provident fund settlements for government employees. By affirming that a valid nominee does not need a succession certificate even for amounts exceeding ₹5,000, the court has strengthened the nomination framework and aligned it with modern economic realities.
While legal heirs can still pursue their claims through courts if disputes arise, the immediate release of funds to nominees ensures that families are not burdened by unnecessary procedural hurdles during difficult times.
This judgment not only protects employee rights but also streamlines government processes—making the system fairer, faster, and more humane.
Source: Msn.com
Source: OfficeNewz
Related Posts: ISL Clubs Ask Supreme Court Lawyers To Push For Urgent Judgment Supreme Court judgment makes Uttarakhand liable to restore Iran warns continued Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon will bring Petals, Cheers & Controversy As Lalu Yadav Hits Bihar Campaign Trail, Brings Danapur To A Halt World awaits landmark US Supreme Court decision on Trump's tariffs Naga Babu blames his wrong judgment for daughter Niharika Konidela's divorce Justice Or Judgment Supreme Court wants High Court Judges ED tells Supreme Court officers can approach top court under Article 32 if law and order is breached Myanmar begins defence in landmark genocide case at UN court
RRB NTPC UG Exam City Slip 2026 released, download link hereRRB NTPC UG Exam City Slip 2026 has been released. The direct link to download the city intimation slip is given here. Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:44 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy link The Railway
1 hours ago
Pakistani attacks on the east Afghan province of Kunar have killed at least seven people and injured 75, among whom are students and a professor at Kunar University, multiple sources have told the BBC. According to the Taliban government, 30 of the injured are university students
1 hours ago
Apple’s foldable iPhone leak hints at ultra-thin, passport-shaped design, debut likely in SeptemberNew reports suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone may arrive soon, featuring a thinner design, larger display, and a key role in its next leadership era. Updated on: Apr 27
1 hours ago
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Central Armed Police Forces would remain deployed in West Bengal for at least 60 days after the Assembly elections and told voters not to be concerned about “Didi’s goons”. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is popularly known as “Didi”
1 hours ago
The International Monetary Fund’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook arrives with an unusually candid subtitle – Global Economy in the Shadow of War – in the same month that NATO has locked in its most ambitious military spending target in history
1 hours ago
In Purba Bardhaman, potato farmers face price caps, weak markets and migration woes. As elections near, discontent simmers, but TMC still appears deeply rooted across the region. The rest of the country may be all agog about voting in West Bengal tomorrow
1 hours ago
Bayern Munich must find a way to stop Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He has scored eight goals in the Champions League. His performances have drawn comparisons to football legends. Kvaratskhelia's ability to cut inside and shoot is a key threat
1 hours ago
SSB may increase quota for ex-Agniveers from 10% to 50%, exempt testsThe SSB proposal mirrors similar draft rules prepared by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Published on: Apr 28, 2026 7:35 AM IST By Prawesh Lama, NEW DELHI Share via Copy link The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has proposed
1 hours ago
Priya Banerjee says Bollywood has lost its way, slams its lack of originality: ‘Same rom-coms, ladki ladka bike pe hain’In an interview with Hindustan Times, Priya Banerjee talked about Bollywood's lack of original ideas and revealed she doesn't like watching Hindi films. Apr 28, 2026
1 hours ago
In mid-2025, frustration boiled over for Cedrik Sixtus. Finding his Spotify playlists increasingly sprinkled with tracks he suspected were AI generated, the Leipzig-based software developer built a tool to automatically label and block them from his listening.In mid-2025
1 hours ago
India’s new trade deal with New Zealand may just be bigger than any other free trade agreement, for it signals where New Delhi wants to go next. With $20 billion in investments and duty-free access for all Indian exports from Day 1, the India-NZ FTA opens up meaningful opportunities
1 hours ago
Describing the agreement a “big win,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it would help expand exports across key sectors. India and New Zealand will sign a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday, which was finalised by PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand’s PM
1 hours ago
Anthony Joshua has signed a deal to fight fellow former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Eddie Hearn has announced. Joshua, who has not fought since he was a passenger in a fatal car crash in December, will first have a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
1 hours ago
PM Narendra Modi expresses confidence of BJP forming govt in Bengal, vows to return for oath ceremony, while Mamata Banerjee holds roadshows as high-voltage campaigning ends. Kolkata: In his last campaign rally in the industrial belt of Barrackpore's Jagatdal
1 hours ago
Now, India pushes diesel, LPG blending plansTechnical teams at BIS, India’s standards-setting body, are working through consultations with stakeholders before finalisation Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:07 AM IST By Zia Haq, NEW DELHI Share via Copy link The government is taking decisive steps
1 hours ago
Taiwan's defense ministry reported spotting two Chinese warships, a destroyer and a frigate, operating southwest of the Penghu islands. Taiwan's naval and air forces were dispatched to closely monitor the Chinese vessels. This incident occurs amidst China's regular military activities around the
1 hours ago
‘I rejected IIM Bangalore’: Techie shares reason behind ‘controversial’ decisionA video of a techie’s confession on rejecting IIM Bangalore and continuing his job instead has prompted varied reactions. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 6:53 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A digital
1 hours ago
Haryana: Congress boycotts special session, Saini dubs it ‘anti-women’ mindsetThe day-long special session, hurriedly convened a month after the budget session’s conclusion, was triggered by the Union government’s setbacks in the Lower House on April 17
1 hours ago
While Anthropic has continued to warn about the impacts of AI on the job market, the company is itself looking to hire for a new role and is offering $400,000 in salary to find the right candidate. The new role is based out of San Francisco or New York, with a salary range of $320,000 to $400,000
1 hours ago
Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients. Misleading food ads are fuelling a public health crisis in India. Help Scroll expose the systemic failure. Support our investigation.Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients
1 hours ago
Cooper Flagg vs Kon Knueppel stats: How Flagg beat his former Duke teammate for Rookie of the YearCooper Flagg won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, narrowly defeating teammate Kon Knueppel by 26 points. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 7:04 AM IST By Shirin Gupta Share via Copy link Duke freshmen Cooper
1 hours ago
Adani Airport Holdings Limited and MakeMyTrip have launched an online duty-free pre-booking service for international travellers, allowing passengers to browse and reserve products before arriving at the airport. The service enables travellers to pre-book duty-free items across more than 10
1 hours ago
"One more year, one more year Casemiro," bellowed the Stretford End as the Brazilian midfielder made his way down the tunnel to the Manchester United dressing room. The 34-year-old had just completed the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Brentford that highlighted everything that makes him such an
1 hours ago
European flight prices are falling as airlines try to overcome customer "hesitancy" over the economic hit from the US-Israel war with Iran, Wizz Air's chief executive has said. József Váradi said European airlines can make price cuts in the "short term" because they have bought fuel at a price
1 hours ago
A 21-year-old man is going on trial in Austria charged with planning and preparing a terrorist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in August 2024. The Austrian man, named only as Beran A., has been charged with terrorism and other offences and is appearing in court in Wiener Neustadt
1 hours ago
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday quashed the preventive detention of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, setting aside the order issued by the Doda district administration in September. Malik, who represents the Doda constituency and heads the party’s Jammu and
1 hours ago
Mortars and missiles from Pakistan struck a university and homes in Afghanistan's Kunar Province, killing seven and wounding 85. Pakistan denied targeting the university, calling the accusation a "blatant lie." This incident marks the first major attack since Chinese-mediated peace talks aimed at
1 hours ago