The Railways Board has issued a noteworthy ruling, stating that if a government employee enters into a second marriage without legally ending their first, the subsequent spouse will not receive pension benefits. Previously, a similar verdict was issued in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
As per the rules, when a government employee dies, their spouse receives pension benefits. Pension benefits are accessible to the first wife if the individual has not obtained a divorce from her. This highlights the urgent need for clearly stated guidelines to uphold equality, especially in places where polygamy is allowed.
Animesh Kumar Sinha, who claimed to have held a high position in the Railways, explained everything on Quora. He mentioned that a Muslim government worker must get permission from the government to marry again while their first wife is alive. He also provided evidence from the Railway Ministry to support his statement.
He noted that similar rules apply to other employees as well. Additionally, Animesh highlighted that in 2015, the Supreme Court stated that a Muslim government employee who remarries without divorcing their first wife and without permission could lose their job. Despite Muslim law allowing multiple marriages, government regulations prevent employees from marrying again while still married.
Animesh stressed that railway employees cannot marry again without government permission if their spouse is alive. This applies regardless of whether their law allows it. Central employee guidelines state that monogamy is the norm, except a second marriage is permitted only if sanctioned by the employee’s law.
The government rule reads, “No railway servant who has a wife living shall contract another marriage without first obtaining the permission of the government. Notwithstanding that such subsequent marriage is permissible under the personal law for the time applying to him”.
“No female railway servant shall marry any person who has a wife living without first obtaining the permission of the government”.
Government workers who marry several times without permission may find that only their first wife receives pension benefits. But if they seek government approval before remarriage, there’s a possibility of a different outcome. Following a thorough review, the government may grant pension benefits to both wives.
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