M.Viswanathan (Rtd. Sr.Gr.Tradesman) v. The Managing Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 18.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA W.P.No. 10658 of 2026 M.Viswanathan

...Petitioner

Vs.

1.The Managing Director, TNSTC (Villupuram) Ltd., No.3/137, Salamedu, Valudhareddy P.O., Villupuram.

2.The General Manager TNSTC (Villupuram) Ltd, Vellore Region, Rangapuram, Vellore - 632 009.

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Section 226 of the Constitution of India for issue of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 12% per annum on the belated payment of terminal benefits viz., Provident Fund, Gratuity and Surrender Leave salary amounting to Rs.42,97,989/- for the period from 30.06.2024 to 02.12.2025 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. 1/6

For Petitioner :

Mr.K.Balakrishnan For Respondents :

Ms. Pavithra 1 & 2 Standing Counsel

O R D E R

This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "To direct the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 12% per annum on the belated payment of terminal benefits viz., Provident Fund, Gratuity and Surrender Leave salary amounting to Rs.42,97,989/- for the period from 30.06.2024 to 02.12.2025 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court".

2. The case of the petitioner is that he was appointed in the respondent corporation on 24.02.1987 and retired from service on attaining the age of superannuation on 30.06.2024. However, the terminal benefits have been settled to the petitioner only on 02.12.2025 and no interest has been paid for the delayed period. Therefore, the petitioner had submitted several representations to the respondents to 2/6

pay interest for the delayed period. Since the same was not considered, the present writ petition has been filed.

3. The learned Standing Counsel for respondents 1 and 2 would fairly submit that they are willing to pay the interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of the eligible and admissible amount.

4. Heard the learned counsel for both sides and perused the materials available on record.

5. In view of the above submission of the learned Standing Counsel, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of admissible terminal benefits from the date of retirement till the date of actual disbursal of the terminal benefits of the petitioner within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 3/6

6. With the above direction, this writ petition is allowed. No costs.

18.03.2026 kan 4/6

To 1.The Managing Director, TNSTC (Villupuram) Ltd., No.3/137, Salamedu, Valudhareddy P.O., Villupuram.

2.The General Manager TNSTC (Villupuram) Ltd, Vellore Region, Rangapuram, Vellore - 632 009.

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