T.Mani v. The Principal Secretary To Government
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 08-01-2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI T.Mani Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Principal Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department/ Ex-Officio Chairman for Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation, Fort st. George, Chennai 600009. 2.Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Ltd., Rep. By Its Managing Director Orange Grove Road, Coonoor 643101.
3.The Divisional Manager Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Ltd., Lawson Tea Division Cinchona, Valparai Coimbatore 642106. Respondent(s) PRAYER; The writ petition has been filed under Article 226 Constitution of India, seeking to issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to pay interest for the belated payment of Death cum Retirement Gratuity and Encashment of Earned Leave, Special Grade arrears Amount and the Surrender Leave Amount at the rate of 18 percentage per annum from the date of retirement of the petitioner i.e. 31.08.2017 till the date of payment of benefits. For Petitioner(s):
Mr.N.K. Ponraj For Respondent:
Dt.T.Seenivasan, SGP
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to pay interest for the belated payment of Death cum Retirement Gratuity and Encashment of Earned Leave, Special Grade arrears Amount and the Surrender Leave Amount at the rate of 18 percentage per annum from the date of retirement of the petitioner i.e. 31.08.2017 till the date of payment of benefits.
2. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner, who had joined the services of the respondent Corporation, had retired from service in the year 2017, however, the terminal benefits have been settled belatedly. Therefore, the petitioner claimed 10% interest on the belated payment of terminal benefits and they have also made representations on 08.12.2025 to pay interest for the belated payment of terminal benefits which has not been evoked any response so far. Hence, the petitioners are before this Court.
3. Heard the learned counsels appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.
4. In view of the limited request made by the petitioner with regard to interest on the belated payment of terminal benefits, this Court directs the respondent to pay interest @ 6% for the belated payment of terminal benefits
from the date of retirement till the date of actual disbursal of terminal benefits of the petitioners, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order taking into account the bank rate of interest on deposits.
5. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
08-01-2026 rli Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes
To Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department/ Ex-Officio Chairman for Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation, Fort st. George, Chennai 600009.
2.Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Ltd., Rep. By Its Managing Director Orange Grove Road, Coonoor 643101.
3.The Divisional Manager Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Ltd., Lawson Tea Division Cinchona, Valparai Coimbatore 642106.
M.DHANDAPANI J.
rli 08.01.2026