This P.T. has been filed by the petitioner under Section 25 of the Administrative Tribunals Act 1985 for retention of the case at Principal Bench.

Ms. Esha Mazumdar, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner, who is the widow of the deceased Raja Ram, who was Driver (Goods) in the Railway at Jaipur, is residing with her son at Rewari (Haryana), nearby Delhi. She further submits that while the husband of petitioner was in service, his entire service record was maintained at New Delhi.  She, therefore, prays that the PT may be allowed as it would be convenient for the petitioner to defend her case at Principal Bench as it is nearer to Rewari than Jaipur, where the jurisdiction of the matter lies.

   On the other hand, learned counsel for the respondents Shri Krishna Kant Sharma heavily objected for retention of the matter at Principal Bench by stating that since the deceased husband of the applicant was working with the respondents as Driver at Bikaner Division, the jurisdiction of matter lies with the Jaipur Bench.  Hence, he prayed for dismissal of the PT.

    Having heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the pleadings, I prima facie, find that the lady, who is widow and aged about 74 years, is undisputedly praying for grant of meagre amount in the form of compassionate allowance.  It is also noted that she is presently staying with her son at Rewari, which is nearer to Delhi than Jaipur, where the territorial jurisdiction of matter lies.

   By taking into account all the aspects of the matter, I deem it fit and proper to retain the matter at Principal Bench. Accordingly, P.T. is allowed.