Request for Free Legal Services for Representing HHF in Hon'ble Supreme Court Contempt Petition No. 1798 of 2018 in SLP No. 39288 of 2012

[Helping Hands Foundation]

To,
The Supreme Court’s Legal Services Committee
Email: sc...@nic.in

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

Greetings from the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF)!

We are very sorry for reaching out again within a short span since our last communication dated 10.01.2025. As part of that email, we have attached a duly signed representation. We'd like to ask that your esteemed committee consider the steps to ensure that the 10% interest on pension arrears is addressed adequately and included in the Court's final verdict. This issue is of immense significance as it impacts thousands of retired Grameena Bank staff. For your kind reference, we have attached to this email, a copy of our previous letter sent on 10.01.2025.

Since then, we have received an additional affidavit dated 13.01.2024, filed in the Supreme Court on 14.01.2025 by the deponent in the above case. The affidavit comprehensively covers details relevant to Contempt Petition No. 1798 of 2018 in SLP No. 39288 of 2012. A copy of this affidavit is also enclosed with this email for your review.

As previously mentioned in our communication, HHF is not in a financial position to bear the expenses required to engage legal counsel for filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on this matter as explained in our HHF strategy (https://helpinghandsnaseer.blogspot.com/2020/07/helping-hands-strategy.html). Therefore, we earnestly request your esteemed committee to arrange for free legal services by appointing an advocate to represent us in this matter. This will enable us to bring forward the issue related to interest on pension arrears for retired Grameena Bank staff before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

Considering that the final verdict is expected in April 2025, we kindly urge you to initiate the necessary steps at the earliest. We firmly believe this intervention will not only uphold justice but also bring substantial benefits to thousands of retired Regional Rural Bank staff.

In case this request cannot be accommodated, we would deeply appreciate it if you could inform us promptly so that we may explore alternative options to address our requirements.

We look forward to your kind and positive response at the earliest.

With warm regards,
Abdul Naseer
Managing Director
Helping Hands Foundation

Copy to: All concerned

Enclosures:

1.    HHF Letter dated 10.01.2025

2.    Affidavit dated 13.01.2025

[Helping Hands Foundation]

To,
The Supreme Court’s Legal Services Committee
Email: sc...@nic.in

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

Greetings from the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF)!

 

We are writing to follow up on our previous communications and humbly request your esteemed committee to arrange free legal services to represent HHF in Contempt Petition No. 1798/2018 in SLP No. 39288/2012, concerning the crucial matter of interest on pension arrears for retired Grameena Bank staff.

 

Context of Our Request:

1.    HHF Letter Dated 10.01.2025:
In our email dated 10.01.2025, we submitted a representation detailing the importance of including the matter of 10% interest on pension arrears in the Court's final verdict. This issue significantly impacts thousands of retired Regional Rural Bank (RRB) staff who have been waiting for justice for years. For your reference, we have enclosed a copy of this letter.

 

2.    Additional Affidavit Dated 13.01.2025:
Subsequently, we received an additional affidavit filed on 13.01.2025, containing critical details relevant to the contempt petition. We shared this affidavit with your office through our email dated 16.01.2025. A copy of the affidavit is attached again for your reference.

 

3.    Supreme Court Order (ITEM NO.45 COURT NO.5 SECTION XV):
The Hon’ble Supreme Court has acknowledged the grievances of petitioners and directed that any issues regarding compliance can be communicated to the contemnors via email. The contemnors are required to address these grievances, and a final compliance report must be submitted by 7.4.2025. The case is scheduled for hearing on 14.4.2025.

o   Extract from the Supreme Court's Order:
“If the petitioners have any grievance or any suggestion as regards the latest compliance affidavit, they may communicate their grievances in writing at the e-mail id to be supplied by the respondents - contemnors.”

 

Our Urgent Request:

Given the critical nature of this matter, we seek your kind assistance in arranging free legal services to represent HHF before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The primary objective is to ensure that the matter of interest on pension arrears for retired Grameena Bank staff is addressed and included in the Court's final verdict.

HHF is a non-profit organization, and we are not in a position to bear the legal expenses required for this representation. 

We believe that with legal support, our efforts can lead to substantial justice for thousands of RRB retirees.

 

 

Enclosures:

1.    Copy of HHF Letter dated 10.01.2025

2.    Copy of the Additional Affidavit dated 13.01.2025

3.    Supreme Court Order (ITEM NO.45 COURT NO.5 SECTION XV)

 

We humbly request your esteemed committee to consider this appeal and provide the necessary assistance at the earliest, as the hearing is approaching.

 

We look forward to your early positive response.

 

With regards,

 

Copy to: All concerned

 

[Helping Hands Foundation]

Gentle Reminder

To: The Supreme Court's Legal Services Committee
Email: sc...@nic.in

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

Greetings from the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF)!

 

We are writing to gently remind you of our earlier request for free legal services to represent HHF in Contempt Petition No. 1798 of 2018 in SLP No. 39288 of 2012, which pertains to the critical matter of interest on pension arrears for retired Grameena Bank staff.

 

Context of Our Request:

1.    HHF Letter Dated 10.01.2025: In our email dated 10.01.2025, we submitted a detailed representation highlighting the importance of including the matter of 10% interest on pension arrears in the Court's final verdict. This issue is of significant importance to thousands of retired Regional Rural Bank (RRB) staff who have been awaiting justice for years.

2.    Additional Affidavit Dated 13.01.2025: We shared an additional affidavit relevant to the contempt petition via email on 16.01.2025. A copy of the affidavit was attached for your reference.

3.    Supreme Court Order (ITEM NO.45 COURT NO.5 SECTION XV): The Hon’ble Supreme Court has acknowledged the grievances of the petitioners and directed that any issues regarding compliance be communicated to the contemnors via email. The case is scheduled for hearing on 14.4.2025, with a final compliance report due by 7.4.2025.

 

Our Urgent Request:

Given the critical nature of this matter and the approaching hearing date, we kindly request your esteemed committee to arrange for free legal services to represent HHF before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. As a non-profit organization, HHF is not in a financial position to bear the legal expenses required for this representation.

We firmly believe that with your support, we can ensure that the matter of interest on pension arrears is adequately addressed in the Court's final verdict, bringing substantial justice to thousands of retired RRB staff.

 

Enclosures:

For your kind reference, we are reattaching the following documents:

1.    HHF Letter dated 10.01.2025

2.    Affidavit dated 13.01.2025

3.    Supreme Court Order (ITEM NO.45 COURT NO.5 SECTION XV)

We kindly urge you to consider our request at the earliest, as the hearing is fast approaching. 

 

We look forward to your kind and positive response.

 

With warm regards,
Abdul Naseer
Managing Director
Helping Hands Foundation

Copy to: All concerned

[Helping Hands Foundation]

Subject: Second Reminder – Urgent Request for Free Legal Services for HHF in Supreme Court Contempt Petition

To,
The Supreme Court’s Legal Services Committee
Email: sc...@nic.in

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

Greetings from our Helping Hands Foundation (HHF)!

This is our second reminder regarding our previous requests sent on 10.01.2025 and 16.01.2025, followed by our gentle reminder on 30.1.2025; seeking an acknowledgment of receipt and the required action on our request for free legal services to represent HHF in Contempt Petition No. 1798/2018 in SLP No. 39288/2012.

We understand that your esteemed committee handles multiple requests; however, given the critical urgency of this matter and the fast-approaching deadlines, we request an immediate acknowledgment of our email and an update on the necessary steps being taken.

Why This Matter Is Urgent

1.    Final Compliance Report Due by 07.04.2025:

o   As per the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order (ITEM NO. 45, COURT NO. 5, SECTION XV), the contemnors are required to file the final compliance report by 07.04.2025.

o   Before this, petitioners have been given the right to raise their grievances regarding the latest compliance affidavit.

2.    Next Hearing Scheduled for 14.04.2025:

o   Any legal intervention must take place before this date, making it imperative that legal representation is arranged at the earliest.

3.    Inclusion of 10% Interest on Pension Arrears:

o   The interest on delayed pension arrears is a crucial financial relief for thousands of retired Grameena Bank employees.

o   Without proper legal representation, this important issue may not get the attention it deserves in the final Supreme Court verdict.

Our Urgent Appeal

We once again humbly request your esteemed committee to arrange for free legal services so that we can effectively represent this matter before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

If, due to any constraints, the committee cannot provide the requested legal assistance, we urgently request you to inform us immediately so that we may seek alternative legal options before the deadline.

Immediate Action Requested:

1.    Acknowledge Receipt of This Email – Kindly confirm that our request has been received and is under consideration.

2.    Update on Action Taken – Please inform us at the earliest regarding the status of our request and the next steps.

Given the urgency of this matter, we look forward to your immediate response. We sincerely hope for your support and positive action in ensuring justice for thousands of retired Grameena Bank employees.

With regards,
Abdul Naseer
Managing Director

Helping Hands Foundation.

Copy to: All concerned 

[Helping Hands Foundation]

Final reminder

To,
The Supreme Court’s Legal Services Committee
Email: sc...@nic.in

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

Greetings from the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF)!

 

This is our final reminder regarding our previous communications dated 10.01.2025, 16.01.2025, 30.01.2025, and 05.02.2025, in which we requested free legal services to represent HHF in Contempt Petition No. 1798/2018 in SLP No. 39288/2012.

Unfortunately, despite multiple reminders, we have not yet received an acknowledgment or response regarding our request. Given the urgent nature of this matter and the fast-approaching deadlines, we would like to ask you to please acknowledge our email and an update on the necessary steps being taken.

 

Why This Matter Is Extremely Urgent

1. Final Compliance Report Due by 07.04.2025:

• As per the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order (ITEM NO. 45, COURT NO. 5, SECTION XV), the contemnors must file the final compliance report by 07.04.2025.
• Petitioners have the right to raise their grievances regarding the latest compliance affidavit before this deadline.

 

2. Next Hearing Scheduled for 14.04.2025:

• Any legal intervention must take place before this date, making it imperative that legal representation is arranged at the earliest.

 

3. Inclusion of 10% Interest on Pension Arrears:

• The interest on delayed pension arrears is a crucial financial relief for thousands of retired Grameena Bank employees.

• Without proper legal representation, this important issue may not receive due consideration in the final Supreme Court verdict.

 

Our Urgent Appeal for Free Legal Services

As per our HHF strategy (https://helpinghandsnaseer.blogspot.com/2020/07/helping-hands-strategy.html), HHF does not engage in any financial transactions, including accepting donations or fees for services.

• HHF has no bank account and provides all services free of cost.
• Since 2011, we have supported many public interest causes and achieved several victories for the needy.
• HHF comprises more than 270 members across 14 states in India, who contribute their time and skills without any financial transactions.

Because of our limited financial resources, we are unable to bear the cost of legal representation. Therefore, we humbly request your esteemed committee to arrange for free legal assistance as per the mandate of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.

 

Legal Basis for Our Request

Under Article 39A of the Indian Constitution, the State has to provide free legal aid to ensure equal justice. Further, under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, organizations like HHF are entitled to receive free legal aid in public interest matters. We request you exercise your authority under these provisions and assist us accordingly.

 

Immediate Action Required

1. Acknowledge Receipt of This Email – Kindly confirm that our request has been received and is under consideration.

1. Update on Action Taken – Please provide us with a status update and the next steps at the earliest.

 

Escalation to Higher Authorities

Since this matter is of national importance and affects thousands of retired bank employees, we are marking a copy of this email to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and other key dignitaries who can influence this decision.

Enclosures (Re-shared for Reference):

1. Copy of HHF Letter dated 10.01.2025

1. Copy of Additional Affidavit dated 13.01.2025
2. Supreme Court Order (ITEM NO. 45, COURT NO. 5, SECTION XV)

Given the urgency of this matter, we expect your immediate response. 

We sincerely hope for your support and positive action in ensuring justice for thousands of retired Grameena Bank employees.

 

With regards,
Abdul Naseer
Managing Director
Helping Hands Foundation

 

CC: Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Registrar, and Other Concerned Dignitaries

[Helping Hands Foundation]

To,
The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India,
Supreme Court of India,
Tilak Marg,
New Delhi - 110201

 

Through,
The Registrar General,
Supreme Court of India,
Tilak Marg,
New Delhi - 110201

Respected Hon’ble Chief Justice of India,

Greetings from the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF)!

We request you to kindly find the attached documents and respond as soon as possible.

with regards,

Abdul Naseer,

Managing Director,

Helping Hands Foundation.

[Helping Hands Foundation]

Subject: Urgent Request for Immediate Response – Representation for Inclusion of 10% Interest on Pension Arrears in SLP No. 39288 of 2012

To:
The Registrar,

Supreme Court of India,
Tilak Marg,
New Delhi - 110201

Respected Sir/Madam,

Greetings from the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF)!

We are writing to follow up on our email dated 2.3.2025 and the hard copy of our letter dated 2.3.2025, which was sent to your office via Registered Post on 3.3.2025. As per the tracking details, the letter reached its destination on 6.3.2025. However, we have not yet received any acknowledgment or response from your esteemed office regarding our request for assistance in SLP No. 39288 of 2012, specifically for the inclusion of 10% interest on pension arrears already paid by the banks to retired Grameena Bank staff.

---

Background of Our Request:

1. SLP No. 39288 of 2012: This Special Leave Petition pertains to the matter of pension arrears for retired Grameena Bank staff. While the banks have paid the arrears, the issue of 10% interest on these arrears remains unresolved.
2. Previous Communications:
• 10.01.2025: Submitted a detailed representation to the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) requesting free legal services.
• 16.01.2025: Shared an additional affidavit relevant to the matter.
• 30.01.2025: Sent a gentle reminder to the SCLSC.
• 05.02.2025: Sent a second reminder, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
• 2.3.2025: Sent an email with a detailed appeal addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, requesting free legal services and assistance in representing HHF to argue for the inclusion of 10% interest on pension arrears in the final verdict.
• 3.3.2025: Sent a hard copy of the same letter via Registered Post, which was delivered on 6.3.2025.

Despite these repeated communications, we have not received any response from the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.

3. Communication from the Assistant Registrar:
   In response to our emails and reminders, we received the following communication from the Assistant Registrar of the Supreme Court:

"The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee does not provide legal assistance for filing complaints or petitions. You may approach the concerned authorities or engage a lawyer to represent your case."

This response has left us in a difficult position, as we are unable to engage a lawyer or visit Delhi personally due to financial constraints.

4. Urgency: The final hearing in this matter is scheduled for 14.4.2025, and the final compliance report is due by 7.4.2025.

---

Our Humble Request:

Given the fast-approaching deadlines and the critical importance of this matter, we kindly request your immediate attention to the following:

1. Acknowledge Receipt: Kindly confirm that our email dated 2.3.2025 and the letter sent via Registered Post on 3.3.2025 have been received and are under consideration.
2. Provide Assistance: We humbly request your office to arrange for free legal services to represent HHF in arguing for the inclusion of 10% interest on pension arrears in the final verdict of SLP No. 39288 of 2012.
3. Alternative Arrangements: If free legal services cannot be provided, we request your office to allow us to submit our grievances and representations through email or other means, considering our inability to visit Delhi.

---

Impact of Your Decision:

The issue of 10% interest on pension arrears is a matter of immense importance to thousands of retired Grameena Bank employees. Many of them are elderly and have been waiting for justice for years. A favorable decision from your esteemed office will not only provide them with much-needed financial relief but also uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

---

Legal Basis for Assistance:

We kindly draw your attention to the following provisions under which the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) are mandated to provide assistance to deserving organizations like HHF:

• Section 12(h) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: Provides for free legal services to individuals or groups who cannot afford legal representation.
• Section 4 of the Act: Establishes the National Legal Services Authority to ensure access to justice for all, particularly for the marginalized and underprivileged.
• Article 39A of the Constitution of India: Mandates that the state shall ensure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity and shall provide free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen due to economic or other disabilities.

---

Immediate Action Requested:

We kindly urge your office to:

1. Acknowledge receipt of our email and letter.
2. Provide an update on the steps being taken to address our request.
3. Arrange for free legal services or alternative means of representation at the earliest.

---

We sincerely hope for your kind and positive response at the earliest, as the hearing date is fast approaching.

With profound respect and warm regards,

Abdul Naseer
Managing Director
Helping Hands Foundation

---

Copy to:

1. The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
2. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

---

 

[Helping Hands Foundation]

To,

The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India

Through: The Registrar, Supreme Court of India
Supreme Court of India
Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001

Hon’ble Sir,

Please find the attachment and initiate immediate action.

Regards,

Abdul Naseer,

Managing Director,

Helping Hands Foundation.

[Helping Hands Foundation]

URGENT

To

NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to follow up on our email dated 01.02.2025 and the response received from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on 02.04.2025.

We sincerely appreciate your instruction to forward our representation to the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) for appropriate action as per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

However, with the final hearing for the aforementioned contempt petition scheduled for 14.04.2025—less than a week from today—I must respectfully highlight the urgency of our situation. The intervening holidays between now and the hearing date significantly reduce the time available for preparation and coordination, making immediate action critical to ensure that Helping Hands Foundation (HHF) can be adequately represented in the Hon'ble Supreme Court.

For your reference, HHF is advocating for the inclusion of 10% interest on pension arrears for retired Grameena Bank employees in the final verdict of SLP No. 39288 of 2012. This matter affects thousands of elderly retirees who have awaited justice for years. Without legal representation, their chances of a fair outcome could be severely compromised, with far-reaching implications for justice and fairness.

Due to severe financial constraints, HHF is unable to afford legal counsel or travel to Delhi for the hearing. This underscores the critical need for free legal services through SCLSC or NALSA, as previously requested. While we are grateful for the steps taken thus far, the lack of confirmation regarding legal aid, coupled with the approaching deadline, leaves us in a precarious position.

In light of the above, I kindly urge you to expedite the provision of legal assistance or facilitate alternative arrangements to ensure our case is effectively presented on 14.04.2025. The seven-working-day timeline for an action-taken report, as mentioned in your email, extends beyond the hearing date due to the holidays, further emphasizing the need for immediate intervention.

We trust in your commitment to ensuring access to justice and are hopeful for a prompt resolution. Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. We eagerly await your response and confirmation of the necessary action at the earliest possible instance.

With profound respect and warm regards,

Abdul Naseer
Managing Director
Helping Hands Foundation

On Wed, Apr 2, 2025 at 11:32 AM NALSA <nals...@nic.in> wrote:

                                                                                                            Representation of ( Abdul Naseer)

                                                                                                            Sir/Madam,

I am under instruction to forward herewith the trailing email, regarding subject captioned above, for taking appropriate action as per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and action taken report may kindly be apprised to the applicant under intimation to this Authority, within the seven (7) working days .

Regards,

Under Secretary-II

NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY

B BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR,

ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS COMPLEX

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI-110001

COMMUNICATION ADDRESS:

JAISALMER HOUSE

26, MAN SINGH ROAD, NEW DELHI-110011
PH. NO.-011- 23382778, 23071450
FAX NO.-011-23382121

To know more about National Legal Services Authority - Click here

---

From: hhf...@gmail.com
To: "SECTION XV, Supreme Court of India" <sec...@sci.nic.in>, "NALSA" <nals...@nic.in>, "SCLSC" <sc...@nic.in>, "supremecourt sci" <suprem...@nic.in>
Cc: "SUPREME COURT MEDIATIONCENTRE" <mediatio...@sci.nic.in>, scb...@gmail.com, "M P Tangirala" <as-...@nic.in>, "RRB Section" <rrb-b...@nic.in>, "NIRAJ KUMAR GAYAGI" <jsa2...@gov.in>, "Jagannath Srinivasan" <jsap...@gov.in>, indian-hel...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, March 2, 2025 2:40:44 AM
Subject: Re: Request for Free Legal Services for Representing HHF in Hon'ble Supreme Court Contempt Petition No. 1798 of 2018 in SLP No. 39288 of 2012

[Helping Hands Foundation]

Respected Sirs,

Kindly find the pdf attached to this email.

Regards,

Abdul Naseer,

Managing Director,

Helping Hands Foundation. 

[Helping Hands Foundation]

Dear Sirs,
Greetings from our Helping Hands Foundation (HHF).

We have not received any response or information on the subject matter, even after over a month. 

We request you to issue suitable instructions to the concerned.

Regards,

Managing Director,
Helping Hands Foundation.

On Tue, 20 May, 2025, 16:42 NALSA, <nals...@nic.in> wrote:

Representation of (Sanid C.P)

Sir/Madam,

 

I am under instruction to forward herewith the trailing email, regarding subject captioned above, for taking appropriate action as per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and action taken report may kindly be apprised to the applicant under intimation to this Authority, with in the 07 working days.

Regards,

Legal Aid Wing. 

Date :20/05/2025

NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY

B BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR,

ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS COMPLEX

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI-110001

COMMUNICATION ADDRESS:

JAISALMER HOUSE

26, MAN SINGH ROAD, NEW DELHI-110011
PH. NO.-011- 23382778, 23071450
FAX NO.-011-23382121

To know more about National Legal Services Authority - Click here

---

From: hhf...@gmail.com
To: "NALSA" <nals...@nic.in>
Cc: "SCLSC" <sc...@nic.in>, "SUPREME COURT MEDIATIONCENTRE" <mediatio...@sci.nic.in>, scb...@gmail.com, "M P Tangirala" <as-...@nic.in>, "RRB Section" <rrb-b...@nic.in>, "NIRAJ KUMAR GAYAGI" <jsa2...@gov.in>, "Jagannath Srinivasan" <jsap...@gov.in>, indian-hel...@googlegroups.com, "vamsi raja" <vamsi...@gmail.com>, airr...@rediffmail.com, airr...@yahoo.com, "Joint Secretary IF DFS" <jsif...@nic.in>, "Shri Sudhir Shyam" <jsdr...@gov.in>, sgb...@googlegroups.com, apgbp...@apgb.in, "SECTION XV, Supreme Court of India" <sec...@sci.nic.in>, "supremecourt sci" <suprem...@nic.in>
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2025 10:04:50 AM

[Helping Hands Foundation]

Gentle Reminder

Dear Sirs,
Greetings from our Helping Hands Foundation (HHF).

We have not received any response or information on the subject matter, even after over a month. 

We request you to issue suitable instructions to the concerned.

Regards,
Managing Director,
Helping Hands Foundation.