D.Natarajan v. The Managing Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI

1. D.Natarajan S/o.Duraisamy No.1 Duraiswami Street Maruthi Avenue Nemilichery, Chrompet Chennai- 600 044

2. N.Kuppan S/o.Narayanasamy No.3/167, Gangai Amman Kovil Street Kavalchery, Voyalanallur Pattabiram-600072

3. A.Ajitha Doss S/o.Agasthiyamban No.289, Jain Kovil street, Manjapattu, Seeyamangalam, Thesur Thiruvannamalai-604 501

4. M.Loganathan S/o.Manickam No.878,M.G.R.Street Muthu Mariamman Kovil Gandhi Nagar, Red hills Chennai-600 052

5. S.Baskar S/o.Sundaramurthi No.1124/B Duraiswami Street, MGR Nagar, Keezhkodungalur

Thiruvannamalai-604 403

6. T.Aron S/o.Thangadurai No.3, Kattabomman 3rd street Kamarajar Nagar Naravarikuppam Chennai-600 052

7. R.Lasarammal W/o.Ravi No.264, 7th Street, Gandhi Nagar Vyasarpadi, Chennai-600 039 ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Managing Director Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)Ltd Pallavan Illam, Anna Salai, Chennai-2

2. The Administrator Tamilnadu State Transport corporation Employees Pension Fund Trust No.2, Pallavan Salai Chennai-600 002.

..Respondent(s) Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay interest of 12% to the petitioners for the belated payment of Gratuity, Leave salary, Provident fund and commutation of pension amounts within a time frame.

For Petitioner(s):

M/s.S.Sakthivel For Respondent(s):

Mr.A.Vinothraj Standing Counsel

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed, directing the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 12% to the petitioners for the belated payment of Gratuity, Leave salary, Provident fund and commutation of pension amounts within a time frame.

2.It is the case of the petitioners that the petitioners 1 to 6, who had joined the services of the respondent Corporation, had retired from service during the years 2023-2024 and the 7th petitioner's husband died on 24.05.2024, however, the Death cum Retirement Gratuity and other terminal benefits have been settled only on 02.12.2025 and 16.12.2025 respectively. Therefore, the petitioners claimed 12% interest on the belated payment of terminal benefits and they have also made representations from 04.02.2026 to 10.02.2026 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.

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 petitioners with regard to interest on the belated payment of terminal benefits, this Court directs the respondents 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 twelve (12) 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.

25-02-2026 Index: Yes/No (2/2) Speaking/Non-speaking order UMA To

1. The Managing Director Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)Ltd Pallavan Illam, Anna Salai, Chennai-2

2. The Administrator Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation Employees Pension Fund Trust No.2, Pallavan Salai Chennai-600 002

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

UMA (2/2) 25-02-2026