M.Santhanam v. The Managing Director,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 27.03.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA M.Santhanam S/o.Munusamy
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.
The Managing Director Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Limited Pallavan Illam, Mount Road, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.
2.
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Employees Pension Fund Trust Rep. By its Administrator Thiruvalluvar Illam, Pallavan Salai Chennai-600 002.
...Respondents
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to settle the interest for the belated payment of retirement benefits such as Provident Fund, Gratuity, Earned Leave Surrender, Commutation of Pension and other retirement benefits payable to the petitioner with 12% rate of interest within the time frame.
For Petitioner :
Mr.L.Poovendra Perumal For Respondents :
Ms.Kavya Standing Counsel, for R1 1/5
O R D E R
The writ petition is filed for the relief set out below: "directing the respondents to settle the interest for the belated payment of retirement benefits such as Provident Fund, Gratuity, Earned Leave Surrender, Commutation of Pension and other retirement benefits payable to the petitioner with 12% rate of interest within the time frame"
2. It is the case of the petitioner that he joined the services of the first respondent Corporation on 21.10.1997 and retired from service, on attaining the age of superannuation, as Special Grade Conductor on 31.10.2019. However, the respondents had settled all the retiral benefits only on 28.01.2021 with a delay of more than one year. Therefore, the respondents are legally bound to pay interest to the petitioner. The petitioner has made a representation dated 17.02.2026 to the respondents to pay the interest at the rate of 12% p.a., for the delayed payment of retirement benefits such as Provident Fund, Gratuity, Surrender leave Salary and Commuted Value of Pension etc., Since the same was not considered to date, the petitioner is before this Court.
3.
The learned Standing Counsel for the first respondent would fairly submit that they are willing to pay the interest at the rate of 6% per annum for 2/5
the belated payment of the eligible and admissible amount.
4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on records.
5. Admittedly, the Earned Leave Salary, Gratuity Amount, Provident Amount and Commuted Value of Pension etc., has been paid belatedly for no fault of the petitioner. Therefore, the petitioner is entitled to interest on the same. Therefore, a mandamus is issued directing the respondents to disburse the 6% interest for belated payment of Earned Leave Salary, Gratuity Amount, Provident fund and Commuted Value of Pension etc., within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
6. With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 27.03.2026 ds Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order : Yes/No 3/5
To 1.
The Managing Director Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Limited Pallavan Illam, Mount Road, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.
2.
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Employees Pension Fund Trust Rep. By its Administrator Thiruvalluvar Illam, Pallavan Salai Chennai-600 002.
4/5
P.T.ASHA J.
ds 27.03.2026 5/5