S.Ulaganathan v. The Management Of

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 16.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P.Nos. 4971, 4977 & 4979 of 2026 S.Ulaganathan ... Petitioner in WP.No.4971 of 2026 R.John Arul Prakash ... Petitioner in W.P.No.4977 of 2026 K.Kumanan ... Petitioner in W.P.No.4979 of 2026 Vs.

The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Limited, Rep. By its Managing Director, Coimbatore. ....Respondents in all petitions Common Prayer : Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent to pay the petitioner interest at the rate of 18% per annum, for the period of delay from 01.06.2024 to 01.12.2025, in paying the amounts paid towards his terminal benefits namely EPF Employee's Contribution, Gratuity and Encashment of leaves / Already surrendered Earned Leaves within a time frame.

For Petitioners :

Mr.S.Arunachalam in all petitions For Respondent : Mr.C.Gauthamaraj in all petitions C O M M O N O R D E R This Writ Petitions have been filed to direct the respondent to pay the petitioner interest at the rate of 18% per annum, for the period of delay from 01.06.2024 to 01.12.2025, in paying the amounts paid towards his terminal benefits namely EPF Employee's Contribution, Gratuity and Encashment of leaves / Already surrendered Earned Leaves to the petitioners.

2. With the consent of the learned counsel appearing on either side, these Writ Petitions are taken up for disposal at the admission stage.

3. It is the case of the petitioners that the petitioners, who had joined the services of the respondent Corporation, had retired from service in the year 2024, however, the terminal benefits have been settled only on 02.12.2025. Therefore, the petitioners claimed 18% interest on the belated payment of terminal benefits and they have also made representations on

05.01.2026 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.

4. Heard the learned counsels appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

5. In view of the limited request made by the petitioners 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 petitioner, 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.

6. Accordingly, these Writ Petitions are disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

16.02.2026 NCC: Yes / No Index : Yes / No Speaking Order : Yes / No kkn

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

KKN To The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Limited, Rep. By its Managing Director, Coimbatore.

W.P.Nos. 4971, 4977 & 4979 of 2026 16.02.2026